Tarsia Maker — build printable Tarsia triangle jigsaw puzzles for the classroom

A free Tarsia puzzle maker for the classroom

Tarsia Maker builds printable triangle jigsaw puzzles that mark themselves. Each edge of a triangle carries a question or its answer, and two pieces only join where a pair matches — so when the whole shape comes together, it's correct. It's a brilliant low-prep way to revise anything that comes in pairs: equations and answers, words and definitions, dates and events. Generate from a topic, pick a preset, or write your own.

How to make a Tarsia puzzle

  1. Choose how to fill it — generate matching pairs from a topic, pick a ready-made preset, or type your own pairs.
  2. Set the size: 6, 9 or 16 pieces, depending on how tricky you want it.
  3. Preview the puzzle and edit any pair you want to change.
  4. Print the ready-to-cut PDF (with a teacher solution to check against).
  5. Hand out the shuffled pieces — pupils match the pairs to rebuild the shape.

Why teachers like it

  • Free, and runs in your browser — no download, unlike the old desktop Tarsia software.
  • Works on a Mac, PC, Chromebook or tablet.
  • Generate matching pairs on any topic, or type your own.
  • Prints a clean, ready-to-cut PDF with a teacher solution.

It works for any subject built on matching pairs — maths (equations, fractions, times tables), vocabulary and definitions, key terms, dates and events, foreign-language translations and science terms — from primary upwards.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Tarsia puzzle?

A triangle (or domino) jigsaw of matching pairs. Each piece edge holds a question or its answer; pieces join only where a pair matches, so when the whole shape comes together it has marked itself.

How do I make a Tarsia puzzle?

Choose a mode — generate pairs from a topic, pick a preset, or write your own — set the difficulty (6, 9 or 16 pieces), preview and edit the pairs, then print a ready-to-cut PDF.

Can I print my Tarsia puzzle?

Yes — export a print-ready PDF to cut out for the class, and it's free.

What subjects work as a Tarsia puzzle?

Any subject with matching pairs — maths, vocabulary and definitions, dates and events, translations, and more.

Do I need to install anything?

No — it runs in your browser with no download, unlike the old desktop Tarsia software.

Related apps

Making more puzzle activities? Try the Crossword Maker or the Word Search Maker — or turn the same matching pairs into a whole-class chain with Loop Cards.