How to Solve Nonograms
Nonograms look intimidating, but they rely on a handful of simple techniques. This guide explains them in order, and the 5×5 puzzle above lets you try each one straight away.
A clue like "2 1" means a block of two filled cells, then at least one gap, then a block of one. Your job is to find where those blocks go in each line.
The core techniques
- Full lines: a clue of 5 in a 5-wide row fills the whole row.
- Sum lines: "2 2" in a row of 5 is exactly 2+1+2, so its position is fixed.
- Overlap: a 4 in a row of 5 must fill the middle three cells.
- Zeros: a clue of 0 means the whole line is empty.
- Empties: once a line's clues are complete, cross out the rest.
- Cross-checking: each cell you fill gives information to the crossing line.
Practising well
Solve a few 5×5 puzzles until the techniques feel natural, then move to 10×10. Don't guess: every puzzle on this site can be solved by logic, so if you're stuck, look for a line where a new cell is forced.
FAQ
Are nonograms hard to learn?
No – a few techniques cover most puzzles.
What does "3 1" mean?
A block of three filled cells, a gap, then a block of one.
Should I guess?
Never needed here – every puzzle is solvable by logic.
Other ways to play: Daily Picross (all modes) · Mini Nonogram (5×5) · 15×15 Nonogram · Nonogram 10x10 · Picross Online · Griddlers Online · Hanjie Puzzles · Nonogram Unblocked
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