Word Ladder Puzzle Generator

Print free word ladders for ages 6–10: change one letter on each rung to climb from the start word to the end word. Pick 3- or 4-letter words and 3–6 rungs, add clues or show which letter changes, make a quick “change one letter” page, or keep a whole ladder inside one phonics pattern (short vowels, sh/ch, silent e). Answer key included.

Puzzle typeWord lengthEmpty rungs per ladderLadders on the pageHintsInclude an answer key on a second page

Grade 1: 3-letter words, 3 rungs, clues on. Grades 3–4: 4-letter words, 5–6 rungs, letter-position hints only. Classic ladders are built so the shortest route really is that many rungs.

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Word Ladder

Start at the bottom. Change one letter on each rung to climb to the word at the top. Use the clues and the thick boxes to help.

SIREnda small drinkthe pointy endthe highest partsomething to play withJOYStart

THEEndknot your lacesa cana fish swims with itit blows cool airFARStart

Answer KeyWord Ladder

Other real words can work too.

SIREndSIPa small drinkTIPthe pointy endTOPthe highest partTOYsomething to play withJOYStart

THEEndTIEknot your lacesTINa canFINa fish swims with itFANit blows cool airFARStart