Word Ladder
Word Ladder is a free daily word game. Turn the start word into the goal word by changing one letter at a time, and every step has to be a real English word: COLD, CORD, CARD, WARD, WARM. Each puzzle has a par, the fewest steps possible, so try to match it. A new puzzle appears every day at 00:00 UTC, the same for every player, and practice mode gives you unlimited extra ladders. It is a quick, classroom-friendly way to practice spelling and vocabulary.
How to play
- Type a word that changes exactly one letter of the word above it, then press Enter.
- Green letters already match the goal word.
- Reach the goal word in as few steps as you can. Par is the shortest possible ladder.
- Stuck? Hint fills in the next word, and Undo takes back your last step.
Tips and strategy
- Look at the goal word first. Letters that are already in the right spot turn green, so try to fix one new position with each step.
- Vowels are often the easiest letters to swap: BAND → BEND → BIND.
- If you are stuck, change a letter that does not match the goal yet, even if it feels like a detour. Some ladders need one step sideways.
- Common endings such as -ARE, -INE, -OST and -EAT have many neighbors, so they make good stepping stones.
- Use Undo freely. Only the final ladder counts, not the words you tried along the way.
Questions
Who invented word ladders?
Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, invented the puzzle in 1877 and called it Doublets. It has been a classroom favorite ever since.
What does par mean?
Par is the fewest steps possible for that puzzle, worked out by checking every word in our list. Reaching the goal in par steps without hints counts as a perfect solve.
Which words are allowed?
Common four-letter English words. Names, abbreviations and offensive words are not accepted.
Is Word Ladder good for the classroom?
Yes. Each puzzle takes a few minutes, needs no sign-up, and practises spelling, vocabulary and planning ahead.
When does the daily puzzle change?
Every day at 00:00 UTC. Practice mode has unlimited extra puzzles if you want more.
