Do LEGO Sets Come With Extra Pieces? Explained Simply

So you recently bought a new LEGO set, and each piece is sealed in plastic. However, you’ve discovered that almost every bag contains an extra piece.

Maybe you’ve just finished building a set from scratch, but found a couple of small extra pieces. You then checked the instructions, and everything is precise, down to the last detail.

So now you’re wondering: is it a mistake, or are these extras intentional?

LEGO sets do come with extra pieces. These extras are intentional and usually consist of small elements like 1×1 tiles, studs, levers, antennas, and flower petals parts that are easy to misplace.

LEGO includes these pieces as a buffer in case some go missing during building or play. Think of them as a bonus to keep your imagination flowing and your builds intact.

Do LEGos come with extra pieces

Why Do LEGO Sets Come With Extra Pieces?

There are a few solid reasons:

  • To Replace Easily Lost Parts
    Small pieces tend to get lost. LEGO includes extras so you don’t get stuck mid-build or have to order replacements.

  • Quality Assurance via Weight
    LEGO uses machines to pack bricks based on weight, not an exact piece count. For very small parts, it’s difficult to weigh and count accurately, so extras are added to ensure the total is correct.

  • Better Too Many Than Too Few
    Missing parts can be frustrating and damage LEGO’s reputation. Including a few extras is safer and builds customer trust.

Is It Normal to Have Extra LEGO Pieces?

Absolutely. It’s common, especially for smaller pieces. LEGO designs its kits this way on purpose. Your set is complete even if a few pieces remain.

What Should You Do With Extra LEGO Pieces?

Instead of tossing them aside, here are some smart things you can do:

  • Collect Them
    Save them for future builds or to replace lost parts. Over time, your collection of spare pieces can fuel creativity or serve as backups.

  • Donate Them
    Extra pieces — and even full sets — can be donated to schools, charities, or hospitals. They’ll bring joy to others who may not be able to afford LEGO sets.

  • Send Them Back with LEGO Replay
    LEGO’s Replay Program allows you to donate your unwanted bricks. Just:

    1. Visit the LEGO Replay website

    2. Print a free shipping label

    3. Box up your bricks and drop them off

    LEGO then cleans and checks the bricks before donating them to organizations like Teach For America and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Pieces that don’t meet quality standards may be ground and reused in production.

  • Tweak Your Builds
    Add personality or tweaks to your existing models. You can enhance your designs or test your creativity by building something new.

Final Thoughts

LEGO sets often come with a few small extra pieces, on purpose. These aren’t mistakes, but rather thoughtful additions to enhance your experience, replace lost parts, and support your creativity.

You can collect, donate, repurpose, or return them through LEGO Replay. Either way, those little extras are part of what makes LEGO building fun, thoughtful, and worry-free.