School & Numbers Word Ladder
Great vocabulary practice for students! Turn FOUR into FIVE or HEAD into TAIL with printable hint sheets and answers.
Transform FOUR into FIVE
Change one letter at each step. Every intermediate rung must form a valid word.
How to Play
- 1. Start at the top: Begin with the top word and climb down step-by-step.
- 2. One letter per rung: Each rung must differ from the previous rung by exactly one letter.
- 3. Valid dictionary words: Proper nouns and abbreviations are not allowed.
- 4. Reach the target: The final step connects directly into the bottom target word!
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Frequently asked questions
What is a word ladder puzzle?+
A word ladder — also called doublets, word-links, or laddergrams — was invented by Lewis Carroll in 1877. The goal is to transform a starting word into a target word by changing exactly one letter at a time, with every intermediate step forming a valid English word.
How do you solve a word ladder?+
Look at the differences between the start and target words. Change one letter per rung to form a valid word that gets you one step closer to the target word's letters. Use the hints or step clues if you get stuck!
Can I enter my own words?+
Yes. Click 'Custom Words' and enter any two 3, 4, or 5-letter English words of equal length. Our breadth-first search engine will automatically calculate the shortest transformation chain.
Is the word ladder generator free?+
Yes. Play unlimited word ladders online, check your steps with instant feedback, and download vector PDF worksheets with answer keys for free — no signup needed.
Can I print word ladders for my classroom?+
Yes. Use the Print / PDF button to download clean, black-and-white or lightly tinted printable worksheets in US Letter or ISO A4 formats, complete with blank rungs, hints, and an optional solution page.