Definition
Rarity score is a conceptual metric used to quantify how uncommon a specific NFT is relative to other NFTs in the same collection. It is typically calculated from the NFT’s metadata, which describes its traits or attributes, such as visual elements, properties, or other distinguishing features. By aggregating the relative frequencies of these traits, the rarity score expresses how statistically rare the NFT is within the overall supply. Different projects and marketplaces may use slightly different formulas, but the core idea is to translate trait scarcity into a single comparable number.
Within NFT ecosystems, rarity score serves as a reference point for distinguishing common items from highly unique ones. It helps structure how NFTs in a collection are ranked, often influencing how collectors perceive their distinctiveness. While rarity score does not inherently determine an NFT’s price, it provides a standardized way to compare tokens in terms of trait scarcity. As a concept, it sits alongside other descriptive data in a collection, complementing the raw metadata that defines each token.
Context and Usage
Rarity scores are most commonly associated with NFT collections where each token is generated with a mix of predefined traits. Market participants often refer to these scores when browsing a marketplace, as they provide a quick signal of how unusual a given token is compared with others. The score is derived from on-chain or off-chain metadata but is itself usually presented as an off-chain ranking or label. This makes it a conceptual overlay on top of the underlying tokens rather than a property encoded directly into the token standard.
In the broader DeFi and digital asset context, rarity scores help structure information about NFTs without prescribing any particular valuation method. They can be used by analytics tools, collection dashboards, or marketplace interfaces to order and filter tokens by trait scarcity. Although different platforms may compute scores differently, the shared purpose is to provide a consistent, collection-wide measure of how rare each token’s traits are. As a result, rarity score has become a common reference concept wherever NFTs, their metadata, and their perceived uniqueness intersect.