Pastime Arcade

Printable Cryptograms

Pick a level and how many puzzles you want per page, then print. Every set is new, and the answers print on a separate page.

Level Per page Codes

How to print cryptograms

  1. Choose a level. Easy puzzles are short, with three letters already filled in; Medium have one; Hard are longer and have none.
  2. Choose one, two or four puzzles per page. One puzzle gives the most room for writing; four make a compact sheet.
  3. Choose letters or numbers for the codes. Numbered cryptograms, with codes from 1 to 26, are a favourite in puzzle books.
  4. Leave Answer key ticked to print the solutions on a page of their own, with the author of each quotation.
  5. Press Print. Only the puzzles and the answers are printed. To save a PDF instead, choose "Save as PDF" in the print window.

Press New set for different puzzles; every set is drawn at random from 155 proverbs and quotations, all in the public domain and checked against their original texts.

Tips for solving on paper

  • Write the letter above every copy of a code as soon as you are sure of it, so the other words fill in around it.
  • Keep a list of A to Z in the margin and cross off letters as you use them; each letter stands for only one code.
  • Use a pencil. A wrong guess is part of the method, as long as you can rub it out.

For a full method, from one-letter words to letter patterns, see how to solve cryptograms. Or play online, where hints and checking are built in.

Using cryptograms in class

Cryptograms are a good classroom warm-up: they practise spelling, vocabulary and logical reasoning at once, and Easy puzzles with three letters given suit younger solvers. Print one per page for individual work or four per page as a quick quiz, with the answer key kept separate.

Frequently asked questions

Are these printable cryptograms free?

Yes. Make and print as many sets as you like; there is nothing to sign up for.

Can I print the answers?

Yes. With Answer key ticked, the solutions print on a separate page, so you can keep them apart from the puzzles.

Can I save the cryptograms as a PDF?

Yes. Press Print and choose Save as PDF as the printer.

Are the puzzles different every time?

Yes. Each set is drawn at random, and each puzzle gets its own new code, so even a quotation you have seen before looks different.