Japanese Puzzle: Tangram

Japanese Puzzle: Tangram takes the centuries-old art of dissection puzzles and presents it in a clean, modern format. Your goal is simple: fit the seven tans—two large triangles, one medium triangle, two small triangles, a square, and a parallelogram—into a given outline without any overlaps. Each level offers a new silhouette, ranging from animals and people to abstract shapes, ensuring that no two puzzles feel alike. What makes this game so compelling is its elegance. There are no timers, no scores, and no pressure—just pure, satisfying problem-solving. As you progress, the silhouettes become more complex, testing your ability to visualize how pieces can be rotated and flipped to fit together. Whether you have a few minutes to spare or want to settle in for a long session, this tangram puzzle is a refreshing way to exercise your brain and unwind.

Puzzle & Logic Matching

WaffleMath

Japanese Puzzle: Tangram

Common Core State Standards

Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.

MP3Argue with math MP1Make sense of problems MP7Use structure MP4Model with mathematics MP2Reason abstractly 1.G.A.1Shape attributes K.G.A.1Position words 2.G.A.1Draw shapes with attributes

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2nd Grade · 3rd Grade · 4th Grade

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What is Japanese Puzzle: Tangram

Test your spatial reasoning with a classic tangram puzzle. Rotate and arrange geometric pieces to recreate a wide variety of silhouettes.

How to Play

Drag each of the seven pieces onto the board and rotate them to match the target shape. Position all pieces so they fully cover the outline without overlapping.

Tips for Playing

Start by placing the largest pieces first to establish the main structure.
Remember that pieces can be flipped as well as rotated, so experiment with different orientations.
Look for edges that align with the outline's straight lines to anchor pieces.
If you're stuck, take a break and revisit the puzzle with fresh eyes.
Try to visualize the final shape before moving pieces for a quicker solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pieces are used in the tangram puzzle?

The tangram uses seven pieces: two large triangles, one medium triangle, two small triangles, one square, and one parallelogram.

Can I rotate the pieces?

Yes, you can rotate any piece by 90 degrees or finer increments, and you can also flip them to achieve the correct orientation.

Is there a time limit for each puzzle?

No, there is no time limit. Take as long as you need to solve each tangram.

What happens if pieces overlap?

Pieces must fit within the outline without overlapping. If they do overlap, the puzzle isn't solved and you'll need to adjust their positions.

Are there many levels or puzzles?

The game includes a wide variety of tangram silhouettes, from simple shapes to complex designs, so there are plenty of challenges.

Is this game suitable for children?

Absolutely. The puzzles help develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, and the difficulty ranges from easy to hard, so all ages can enjoy.