Strands Solver - NYT Strands Puzzle Helper

Free Strands puzzle helper. Enter the theme hint and grid letters to find theme words and the spangram. Solve today's NYT Strands faster with word suggestions.

Not affiliated with The New York Times. This tool provides suggestions based on your input.

Enter the theme hint shown at the top of the puzzle
Type all 48 letters visible in the puzzle grid (6 columns × 8 rows)
Enter words you've already found, separated by commas (helps narrow suggestions)

How to Play NYT Strands

Strands is a daily word search puzzle from The New York Times where you find theme-related words hidden in a 6×8 letter grid. Words are formed by connecting adjacent letters (including diagonals), and the goal is to find all theme words plus the special "spangram."

Strands Rules

  • Find theme words: Most words in the puzzle relate to the daily theme hint.
  • Connect adjacent letters: Form words by connecting letters that touch (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
  • Each letter used once per word: You cannot reuse a letter within the same word.
  • Find the spangram: One special word spans the entire puzzle from one side to the other.
  • Use all letters: When complete, every letter in the grid belongs to exactly one word.
  • Earn hints: Finding non-theme words earns hints to reveal letters.

What is a Spangram?

The spangram is a special word that:

  • Spans the entire puzzle from one edge to the opposite edge
  • Usually reveals or relates to the theme
  • Is typically one of the longer words in the puzzle
  • Highlighted in a different color when found

Strands Strategy Tips

  • Read the theme hint carefully: It's your biggest clue to what words you're looking for.
  • Find the spangram first: It often reveals the theme and helps you find other words.
  • Look for longer words: Theme words tend to be 5+ letters.
  • Think about the theme broadly: Consider synonyms, related concepts, and wordplay.
  • Use non-theme words strategically: Finding 3 non-theme words earns a hint.
  • Check edges for spangram: The spangram must touch opposite edges of the grid.

Finding Words in the Grid

  1. Start with obvious letters: Look for common word beginnings like TH-, ST-, CH-.
  2. Follow letter paths: Trace possible words by connecting adjacent letters.
  3. Think about the theme: What words relate to the hint?
  4. Check all directions: Words can go in any direction, including diagonals.
  5. Look for word endings: Common endings like -ING, -TION, -ED help identify words.

Common Strands Themes

  • Categories: Types of food, animals, sports, etc.
  • Wordplay: Words containing hidden words, compound words
  • Pop culture: Movie titles, song names, celebrities
  • Phrases: Words that complete a common phrase
  • Associations: Things related to a concept (e.g., "beach" → SAND, WAVE, SHELL)

Frequently Asked Questions About Strands

How do I use the NYT Strands helper?
Enter the theme hint shown at the top of the puzzle and type all letters from the 6x8 grid. Our tool suggests words that can be formed from adjacent letters and might relate to the theme.
What is a spangram in Strands?
The spangram is a special theme word that spans from one side of the puzzle to the other. It reveals the puzzle's theme and is highlighted in yellow when found. Our tool identifies potential spangrams.
How do hint words work in Strands?
Finding non-theme words earns hints. Every 3 non-theme words found reveals one letter of a theme word. Our tool shows both theme-related and other valid words.
Why should I enter words I've already found?
Entering found words helps our tool exclude those letters and narrow down remaining possibilities, giving you more targeted suggestions.