Tangrams Printable

Unlock the world of geometry and spatial reasoning with our free tangrams printable! This timeless puzzle invites kids to explore shapes, patterns, and creativity through fun, hands-on problem-solving. It is perfect for kids to engage in a STEM-based activity with endless design possibilities.

What Are Tangrams?

Tangrams are a set of seven geometric shapes that can be arranged to form various pictures and patterns.

This ancient Chinese geometric puzzle (1800s) is a fun way for kids to explore geometry, spatial reasoning, logic, and math concepts. The challenge lies in using all seven shapes (called “tans”) to recreate specific images or invent new ones, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.

Grade Level Recommendation: This activity is recommended for grades K-3.

Younger kids can focus on basic math skills, including shape identification and pattern creation.
Older kids can explore geometric concepts and spatial relationships, and the silhouette puzzles add an extra challenge.

Tangram Supplies

Printable Tangram template (download available below)
Scissors (for cutting out the shapes)
Colored paper or heavy card stock (optional to make durable tangrams)
Optional: Laminator for reusable tangrams

A traditional tangram set consists of seven geometric shapes called “tans.” These include:

Two large right triangles
One medium-sized right triangle
Two small right triangles
One small square
One parallelogram

Tangram Instructions

Print the Tangram Template: Download and print our free Tangram template.
Cut Out the Shapes: Carefully cut out the seven geometric pieces (tans) using scissors. Optional: Mount the template on colored paper or laminate the pieces for durability.
Start Solving!: Use the tangram pieces to solve the puzzles provided, or search for new designs online. For younger kids, provide puzzle outlines to match the shapes. For more advanced learners, try solving puzzles with just a silhouette for an extra challenge.
Create Your Own Designs: Once kids are comfortable solving tangram puzzles, encourage them to make their own designs using the seven pieces.

Printable Tangram Puzzles

The free Tangrams printable pack includes a bird, cat, tree, bee, flower, butterfly, apple, person, boat, and rocket!

STEM Correlation

Tangrams are a perfect blend of STEM learning through hands-on math and geometry. Working with tangrams encourages children to understand spatial relationships, develop problem-solving skills, and explore geometric concepts such as symmetry, congruence, and angles—all in a playful, engaging way!

Related Math Activities

Seasonal Tangrams: Use the tangram pieces to create themed puzzles for different seasons, such as snowflakes in winter or flowers in spring. Spring tangram shapes are included below.
Math Journals: Encourage students to record their tangram solutions and designs in a math journal, noting what they learned about geometry. They can glue their favorite image into a math notebook.
Geometric Play: Pair this tangram activity with other geometry-focused activities, such as building shapes with pattern blocks or exploring symmetry.

Free Printable Tangrams

Add these free tangrams printables to your math center or make them available for early finishers, screen-free activities, or rainy-day fun!

More Shapes Activities for STEM

Exploring 2D and 3D shapes through hands-on activities enhances STEM learning by building spatial awareness, geometric understanding, and problem-solving skills. These activities help kids connect math concepts to real-world applications, such as engineering and architecture.

STEM Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce STEM more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.