How it works
A blank word search, free to print or save as a PDF: a 15 by 15 grid of 1 cm squares, 15 ruled lines and a name line on one sheet. Grids run 8 by 8 to 25 by 25.
Read the full guide
How big the squares print
With 15 lines or fewer, grids up to 15 by 15 print squares of 1 cm or more: 13 mm at 8 by 8 and 10 by 10, 1 cm at 15 by 15. Bigger grids shrink them: 20 by 20 with 20 lines prints 6.5 mm squares, and nothing prints under 6 mm. Ask for more lines than fit, such as 30 under 20 by 20, and the lines move to page 2.
How pupils build a fair puzzle
List the words first. No word can be longer than the grid is wide, even on a slant. Hide the longest word first, in capitals, and let words cross on a shared letter. Photograph the sheet before filling the gaps: that photo is the answer key.
- Fill the gaps with first letters of the hidden words, so solvers meet false starts.
- Clear the title on the sheet and a ruled line prints instead: a plain empty word search template for any subject.
Questions and answers
Can I type letters into the blank word search?
No. This page prints an empty sheet to write on; only the title and instructions are typed. To type a word list and get a finished puzzle with its answer key, use the word search maker.
Is this the same as a blank find a word template?
Yes. Word find, word seek and word sleuth are other names for the same puzzle, and one sheet serves them all. Retype the title on the sheet, up to 60 characters, to call it whatever your class does.
Is this word search template printable on one page?
Yes, until the lines outgrow the sheet. The line under the sheet says whether it prints on one page or two. For a PDF, choose Save as PDF in the print window.
Which grid size suits which grade?
Our suggestion: go by how small the child writes. Grades 1 to 2: 8 by 8 or 10 by 10 with 6 to 8 lines. Grades 3 to 4: 12 by 12 with 10 to 12 words. Grade 5 up: 15 by 15, 15 words.