How to use the codeword solver
Choose the number of rows and columns to match your puzzle; most newspaper codewords are 13 by 13. Tap a square and type its number, or use the number pad on a phone. Type 0, # or B for a black square. The arrow keys move you around, and tapping the same square twice switches between going across and going down.
If you have the puzzle as text, open Or paste the grid as text and paste one row per line, with the numbers separated by spaces and # for black squares.
Next, fill in the starter letters printed under the puzzle. These are usually two or three numbers given away to get you going, such as 7 = R. Then press Solve. The solver checks every across and down entry against our word list and works out which letter each number must be.
Getting a hint without spoiling it
Solving does not show the answer straight away. Instead you choose how much help you want. Reveal one letter fills in the number that appears most often in the grid, which usually unlocks several words at once. Reveal the selected word fills in the word under the highlighted square. Reveal everything finishes the puzzle.
If you have already worked out some letters yourself, type them into the boxes for their numbers and press Check my letters. Any that do not match the solution are shown in red, so you can find a mistake without seeing the right answer.
Tips for solving codewords by hand
Look for short words that include a starter letter. A three-letter word ending in a known E is often THE or SHE. Numbers that appear many times are likely to be common letters such as E, T, A and S, while a number used only once or twice may be J, Q, X or Z.
Double letters help too. Two identical numbers side by side are often LL, EE, SS or OO, and almost never QQ. Every number from 1 to 26 stands for a different letter, so once a letter is used it cannot appear under another number.
Questions and answers
What is a codeword puzzle?
A crossword-style grid with no clues. Every letter has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26, the same number always means the same letter, and a few letters are given to start you off.
Does it work if I do not have the starter letters?
Often, yes, especially on larger grids, but the starter letters make the answer certain. Without them a small grid may fit more than one set of words.
Why does it say partly solved?
One or more entries in the grid are not in our word list, usually a name, a rare word or a typing mistake in the numbers. Check the grid, add any letters you know, and solve again.
Can it check my answers without showing them?
Yes. Type your letters into the boxes and press Check my letters. Wrong letters turn red; nothing else is revealed.
Is my puzzle sent anywhere?
No. The grid is solved in your browser, so nothing is uploaded or stored.