Tangram facts for kids

A tangram is a fun puzzle made from seven flat shapes. These shapes are called "tans." The goal is to arrange all seven tans to create a specific picture or design. You must use all seven pieces, and they should not overlap. People think this puzzle started in China a long, long time ago, during the Song Dynasty. It then traveled to Europe in the early 1800s.

A colorful tangram puzzle set.

How Many Shapes Can You Make?

Many different tangram puzzles have been created over the years. From old books written in the 1800s, we know there are over 6,500 different shapes you can make.

What Are the Pieces?

The tangram puzzle has seven special pieces, called "tans." Here's what they are:

• 5 triangles:
  • Two large triangles (the same size).
  • Two small triangles (the same size).
  • One medium-sized triangle.
• 1 square
• 1 parallelogram (sometimes called a rhomboid)

Images for kids

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  A funny drawing from France in 1818. This was when tangrams were very popular!

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  Like many modern sets, this wooden tangram is stored in a square shape.

In Spanish: Tangram para niños