Tangram Puzzles for Kids: Free Printable Shapes to Cut and Solve

Download the free printable cards

Tangram puzzle ideas to try

Start with simple outlines and build up to animals and letters. Here are prompts and shapes your child can make today with the seven pieces.

Easy shapes to start

1. Make a big square using all seven pieces
2. Build a tall triangle from the two large triangles
3. Make a rectangle using four pieces
4. Join the small triangle and the square to make a house
5. Put two triangles together to make a bigger triangle
6. Make a long thin parallelogram shape
7. Build an arrow pointing to the left
8. Make a letter L using four pieces
9. Create a simple boat with a sail

Animals and people

1. Make a cat sitting down
2. Build a running dog with a long body
3. Make a swan with a curved neck
4. Create a rabbit with two tall ears
5. Build a fish with a pointed tail
6. Make a person walking
7. Create a bird in flight
8. Build a fox with a bushy tail
9. Make a duck on the water

Challenges and games

1. Race a friend to fill the same outline
2. Make a shape, then ask a partner to copy it
3. Build a rocket and count the triangles you used
4. Make the tallest tower you can with flat pieces
5. Turn one shape into another by moving a single piece
6. Make a picture that tells a short story
7. Spin every piece a quarter turn and see what you get
8. Make your initial letter from the seven shapes
9. Hide one piece and solve an outline with six
10. Trace your favourite shape and keep a scrapbook

How to play tangram puzzles, step by step

1. Print the tangram sheet onto card for sturdier pieces.
2. Cut out all seven shapes, with an adult helping younger children.
3. Name each shape together before you start.
4. Copy an outline using every piece, flat on the table.
5. Trace a favourite creation and challenge someone to solve it.

Ways to use tangram puzzles at home and school

• Quiet time at the table Keep a set of cut pieces in an envelope for calm, focused play after school or before tea.
• Maths warm up Start a lesson with one outline to solve together. It gets children thinking about shapes and angles in a friendly way.
• Travel and waiting Pop laminated pieces in a bag for cafes and journeys. A ready made set like the Shapes Game travels well.
• Partner challenge One child builds a shape behind a book, then describes it for a partner to copy. Great for talking about position and turns.
• Display and record Trace finished pictures and stick them in a scrapbook. Children love seeing their shapes grow over the weeks.

Games and gifts for shape lovers

If your child enjoys tangrams, these wooden puzzles and games build the same thinking skills. Each one gives little hands something hands on to turn, sort and solve.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Shapes Game - Tangram PuzzleShop nowWooden Puzzle Board - Geometric Stacking ToyShop nowRainbow Shape Puzzles - Wooden Shape SortersShop nowWooden Gear Puzzle - Kids Puzzle BoardShop nowKids Building Blocks - Montessori ToyShop nowWooden Dinosaur Puzzle - Kid's Puzzle BoardShop nowDinosaur Game - Kids PuzzleShop nowCode Breaking Board Game - Logic GamesShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop nowShape Sorter - Learning GameShop nowJigsaw Board - Board For PuzzlesShop nowMaths Game - Number CountingShop nowAbacus for Kids - Wooden Counting ToyShop nowMini Whiteboard - Educational ToyShop now

Tangram puzzles by age and key stage

What children learn from tangram puzzles

• Spatial reasoning. Rotating and flipping pieces helps children picture how shapes move and fit.
• Shape names. Playing with triangles, a square and a parallelogram builds early geometry vocabulary.
• Problem solving. Filling an outline needs trial, error and a plan, which supports patient thinking.
• Fine motor skills. Picking up and placing small pieces strengthens little hands and control.
• Focus. Working towards a finished picture builds concentration and a sense of achievement.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

Tangrams are easy to make a regular habit because one small set does so much. Keep the pieces in a labelled envelope or tin so they are ready for a quick five minute puzzle. Try one new outline a week and build a little scrapbook of traced creations. Over time children will start inventing their own shapes and setting challenges for the rest of the family.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tangram?

It is an old Chinese puzzle made from a square cut into seven flat shapes. You rearrange the pieces to make pictures and outlines.

What age are tangrams for?

Our printable suits ages 5 and up. Younger children can join in with simple free play and plenty of help.

How many pieces are there?

Seven: two large triangles, one medium triangle, two small triangles, one square and one parallelogram.

Do you have to use all the pieces?

In the classic puzzle, yes. Every outline is solved using all seven pieces laid flat with no overlaps.

How do I make the pieces last?

Print onto card or laminate the sheet before cutting. An adult should do the cutting for younger children.

Can two children play together?

Yes. Try copying races or build and describe games where one child guides another. See our gift ideas above for more shape games.

Are tangrams good for maths?

They support shape names, angles and spatial thinking in a playful way, which links well to early maths at school.

Can I make my own outlines?

Absolutely. Build a shape, draw around the outside, then rub out the inside lines to make a fresh puzzle for someone else.

Browse by age and type

Educational toys for 5 year oldsEducational toys for 6 to 8 year oldsJigsaw puzzlesChildren's jigsaw puzzlesWooden toysLet's Learn rangeIndoor gamesGifts for kids

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.