How to make the perfect tier list: a beginner's guide.
Tier lists have become one of the internet's favorite ways to rank and debate anything — from anime characters to fast food chains to programming languages. But making a good tier list is more than just dragging things into rows. Here's how to create one that's clear, defensible, and shareable.
Understanding the tier system
The classic tier system uses letters S through D (or F), borrowed from Japanese grading systems:
S-Tier: The best of the best. "S" stands for "Super" or "Special." Reserve this for truly exceptional entries.
A-Tier: Excellent. Strong performers that fall just short of S.
B-Tier: Good. Solid, reliable, above average.
C-Tier: Average. Neither impressive nor terrible.
D-Tier: Below average. Significant flaws but not completely without merit.
F-Tier: Failure. The worst of the worst.
Choosing your criteria
The most common mistake in tier lists is ranking things without clear criteria. Before you start, decide: what are you measuring? For a video game character tier list, it might be competitive viability. For a restaurant tier list, it might be value for money. For a movie tier list, it might be rewatchability.
Write your criteria down before you start ranking. This keeps you consistent and makes your list easier to defend.
How to use the YayKyi Tier List Maker
1. Add your items — Type or paste the things you want to rank into the item pool.
2. Customize your tiers — Rename tiers, change colors, add or remove rows to fit your needs.
3. Drag and drop — Move items from the pool into the appropriate tier. You can rearrange within tiers too.
4. Export — Download your tier list as an image to share on social media, Discord, or anywhere else.
Tips for a great tier list
Don't over-populate S-tier — If everything is S-tier, nothing is. Aim for 10–20% of items in S.
Use C-tier generously — Most things are average. A healthy tier list has a bulge in the middle.
Be consistent — Apply the same criteria to every item. Don't let recency bias or personal favorites skew your rankings.
Explain your choices — The best tier lists come with commentary. Share why you placed things where you did.
Tier lists are a fantastic tool for organizing opinions and sparking discussion. Whether you're ranking your favorite albums, evaluating team members' skills, or settling a debate with friends, a well-made tier list communicates your thinking clearly and invites engagement.