Word Ladder Puzzle Maker
Change one letter at a time to turn one word into another, with a real word at every step. Solve one, make a printable puzzle with an answer, or check a ladder you have written.
The tool uses its own list of common 3 and 4 letter words, so a rare word may be reported as missing even though it is real. Add any word you like as the start or end.
Worked examples
A ladder
cold to warm
COLD, CORD, WORD, WARD, WARM (4 steps)
Another shortest ladder may exist.
A short ladder
cat to dog
CAT, COT, DOT, DOG (3 steps)
Each step changes one letter.
About Word Ladder Puzzle Maker
A word ladder is a puzzle invented by Lewis Carroll in 1877, in which you turn one word into another by changing a single letter at a time, with a real word at every step. COLD to WARM, for example, goes COLD, CORD, WORD, WARD, WARM. It is a good exercise in spelling, word patterns and persistence for children and adults.
Type a start word and an end word of the same length, and this tool finds the shortest ladder it can through its own list of common three and four letter words. Or have it make a puzzle with a number of steps you choose, with the first and last word shown and boxes for the words in between, ready to print with the answer on a second page. Check my ladder tells you which step breaks the rules. The word list is deliberately made of everyday words, so the puzzles are suitable for children.
How to use Word Ladder Puzzle Maker
- Choose Find a ladder and type a start and an end word of the same length.
- Or choose Make a puzzle, pick the word length and the number of steps, and press New puzzle.
- Print the puzzle and the answer page.
- Or choose Check my ladder and type your own words in order.
Common uses
- Classroom word games and early finishers
- Spelling and phonics practice
- Puzzles for car journeys
- Brain training for adults
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules?
Each step changes exactly one letter, the letters stay in the same places, and every word must be a real word. You cannot add, remove or rearrange letters.
Is the answer unique?
Often not. There may be several shortest ladders, so a different answer from the key can still be right.
Why does it say a word is missing?
The tool only knows a list of about 950 common three and four letter words. A real word that is not on the list will be flagged, even though it is valid in a game.
Can there be no ladder?
Yes. Some words are cut off from the others in the list, and the tool then says no ladder was found.
Can I make puzzles for younger children?
Use three letter words and three or four steps. Longer ladders with four letter words suit older children.