How to solve nonograms (beginner guide)
A nonogram never requires guessing — promise. This guide covers the rules, how to read the clues, and the first three deductions to make on any grid, with interactive mini-grids so you can try each idea immediately.
The rules in 30 seconds
An empty grid, numbers at the end of each row and column. Each number is a block of consecutive filled cells; blocks appear in the order of the numbers, separated by at least one empty cell. Satisfy every line and the filled cells reveal a picture.
Example: “4 2” on a 10-wide row = a block of 4, at least one empty cell, then a block of 2 — in that order.
Deduction #1: full lines
Add up the blocks and their mandatory gaps. If the total equals the line’s length, everything is forced. Try it:
It works with several blocks too — the gaps place themselves:
Deduction #2: overlap
A big block doesn’t have much room to slide. The cells covered by every possible placement are certain — fill them without hesitation.
The general formula (2 × block − length) is explained in the advanced techniques guide.
Deduction #3: the ✕ is your friend
Marking empty cells isn’t decoration: every ✕ removes placements in the column that runs through it. Players who stall are almost always the ones not placing their ✕s. “0” line? All ✕. Finished block? ✕ at both ends.
Your turn
This 5×5 falls to the three deductions above. Click (or use the keyboard: arrows + Space, X to mark) — or watch the demo:
Frequently asked questions
Do you ever need to guess in a nonogram?
No. A well-built nonogram is 100% solvable by deduction. If you’re stuck it’s never a dead end: there’s always a line where crossing the possible placements yields a cell. On Frugio, every grid is checked by a solver before it’s published — guessing is never required.
What does a “0” clue mean?
No filled cell in that line: you can ✕ the whole thing. It’s also the best line to start with, since it removes possibilities from every column it crosses.
Which line should I start with?
The extremes: “0” lines, full lines (clues plus gaps equal the length), then the biggest blocks — an “8” in a 10-wide line forces 6 center cells. Tiny clues (lonely ���1”s) can wait until the end.
Nonogram, picross, hanjie… what’s the difference?
None: they’re different names for the same Japanese logic puzzle. “Picross” was popularized by video games; “hanjie”, “griddler” and “paint by numbers” all mean the same thing.
What next?
Move on to the advanced techniques guide for 15×15 grids and beyond, check any grid with the step-by-step solver, or practice right away in the game — 110 pictures to discover, a Daily challenge, and easy 10×10 grids to warm up.