ASL-LEX
ASL-LEX: A free research reference for exploring ASL signs, properties, and visualizations. Ranked #25 of 34 in Sign Language Apps by our editors (5.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for researchers exploring ASL sign properties and data.
At a glance
- Editor score5.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forResearchers exploring ASL sign properties and data
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Signed languagesAmerican Sign Language (ASL)
- Founded2016
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Search by English gloss and filter signs by database properties
- Explore sign relationships in network graphs and property scatterplots
- View reference videos and download raw database data
Where it doesn't
- Focused on research and reference, not structured language learning
- Covers American Sign Language rather than multiple signed languages
- Reference videos have separate restrictions from the database license
Our verdict on ASL-LEX
ASL-LEX is a free web database for looking up American Sign Language signs and exploring their lexical and phonological properties. It is aimed at researchers and others examining ASL sign data, rather than learners seeking a sequenced course. The ASL-LEX 2.0 database covers 2,723 signs, with information including English glosses, frequency, iconicity, phonology, and neighborhood density. Search by gloss to locate signs, or use database properties to narrow the set you want to examine.
Its research value comes from combining lookup with ways to inspect relationships and distributions. An interactive network graph helps users explore connections among signs, while scatterplots present sign properties visually. Reference videos provide a way to view signs alongside their database information, and raw-data downloads support work beyond the web interface. This makes ASL-LEX a better fit for investigation and reference than for practicing a curriculum or following lessons.
ASL-LEX is available on the web at no cost. The database and visualizations are licensed CC BY-NC 4.0, while reference videos have separate restrictions, so users should check the applicable terms before reusing material. The project is a collaboration involving researchers at San Diego State University, Boston University, and Tufts University. Choose it when your priority is exploring ASL sign properties or working with sign data; choose a structured learning resource instead if you need guided instruction or practice activities.
Your product? Our editors can test ASL-LEX in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
ASL-LEX pricing
ASL-LEX fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Signed languages | American Sign Language (ASL) |
| Lesson format | Not verified |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Dictionary lookup | Yes |
| Progress tracking | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | web |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | asl-lex.org |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ASL-LEX
- BSL SignBankA rich, free BSL reference with video search, regional detail and quizzes.9.2
- HandSpeakA broad ASL reference library with free access and optional Patron features.8.8
- SpreadTheSignA free-to-start video dictionary for comparing 23 sign languages.8.6
See all ASL-LEX alternatives →
Used ASL-LEX? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used ASL-LEX for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
ASL-LEX is listed in our Sign Language Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/asl-lex/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/asl-lex.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update