Strands Guide
Last reviewed: February 16, 2026Strands Solver: Find Theme Words & Spangrams Instantly
Stuck on NYT Strands? Use our free Strands Solver to find theme words and the spangram based on the board letters and clue.
To use a Strands solver, input the letters from the 6x8 grid. The tool will generate a list of all possible words found by connecting adjacent letters. Look for words that match the daily theme clue to solve the puzzle.
Overview
Sometimes the theme just doesn't click. Our Strands Solver helps you find valid words on the grid, identify the spangram, and clear the board without using up all your hints.
Key Strategies
- How to input grid letters
- Finding the spangram
- Theme word filtering
Quick Tips
- Read the theme hint first — every hidden word connects to it.
- Words can snake in any direction, including diagonal bends.
- Find the spangram early to split the board into manageable sections.
- Use the hint button to highlight letters belonging to an unfound word.
- Edge letters are more constrained — start your search along the borders.
Solver capabilities
Quick Facts
6x8
Grid size
Instant
Words found
Yes
Spangram detection
Dictionary analysis
How to use the Strands Solver
Enter the letters from your Strands board row by row. Our algorithm scans for every valid English word that can be formed by connecting adjacent letters (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally). It then filters these words to highlight longer entries and potential theme matches.
Finding the Spangram
The spangram is the most important word to find. Our solver specifically looks for words that touch two opposite edges of the board (left-to-right or top-to-bottom), which is the defining characteristic of a spangram.
Theme matching and word filtering
Not every valid word on the Strands board is a theme word. Our solver produces a ranked list that prioritizes words likely to match the daily theme. It does this by analyzing the theme clue semantically and boosting words that share category overlap. For example, if the theme clue hints at kitchen items, words like SPATULA and WHISK rank higher than random dictionary words even if both are valid paths on the grid. This filtering saves you time and helps you avoid burning hint charges on non-theme words.
Understanding the 6x8 grid mechanics
The Strands grid contains 48 letters arranged in 6 columns and 8 rows. Words are formed by connecting adjacent letters in any direction: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Each letter can only be used once per word, and every letter on the board belongs to exactly one theme word or the spangram. This constraint means that once you find a word, its letters are locked and removed from consideration, progressively simplifying the board. Our solver accounts for this cascading elimination, recalculating possible words after each confirmed find.
When to use the solver vs. the in-game hint
The in-game hint system in Strands highlights letters belonging to an unfound theme word after you discover three non-theme words. This is useful but costs effort. Our solver is best used when you have found most theme words but one or two remain hidden, or when the theme clue is too vague to guide your search. Think of the solver as a complement to in-game hints rather than a replacement. Many players use it after completing the puzzle to see which words they missed and study the paths they could have taken.
Key Takeaway
A Strands solver works by analyzing the 6x8 grid of letters to find connected paths that form valid words. It prioritizes words that match the daily theme and identifies the board-spanning 'spangram' that connects two opposite edges.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a solver for NYT Strands?
Yes, our Strands Solver analyzes the letter grid to find all possible connected words, helping you identify theme words and the spangram when you are stuck.
How does a Strands solver find the spangram?
The solver identifies words whose letter paths span the full board from one edge to the opposite edge. It tests all valid paths touching both left-right or top-bottom boundaries and ranks them by theme relevance.
Can the Strands solver find all theme words?
The solver finds all valid English words on the grid, but theme identification depends on interpreting the daily clue. It highlights the most likely theme matches based on semantic analysis of the clue.
How many words are hidden in each Strands puzzle?
Each Strands puzzle contains the spangram plus typically 6-8 theme words. Every letter on the board is used exactly once across all hidden words.
Is using a Strands solver considered cheating?
That depends on your personal rules. Many players use it as a learning tool after solving, or to get unstuck on particularly challenging themes. The solver helps you understand grid patterns for future puzzles.
Written by
Connections Hintz Editorial Team
Our team solves every NYT puzzle daily and publishes verified hints within minutes of each reset. With 500+ puzzles analyzed across Connections, Wordle, Strands, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Letter Boxed, we specialize in spoiler-free guidance that helps you solve puzzles on your own.
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