Cross Puzzle – the puzzle pieces

As with the Tangram, the pieces of the Cross Puzzle are made from right isosceles triangles. They belong to the family of polyaboloes.

The seven pieces of the Cross Puzzle

The Cross Puzzle

How do you turn a rectangle into a cross?

This is the starting challenge of the Cross Puzzle. The seven pieces can form many other figures as well.

A detailed description of the puzzle appears in the book Denkspiele der Welt.

Unlike Tangram figures, which often depict recognizable objects, most Cross Puzzle figures are abstract, geometrically symmetrical shapes. Many fit exactly into a grid of right isosceles triangles and can be solved automatically using a solver program.

A selection of Cross Puzzle figures

Cross Puzzle figure in the shape of a rectangle
Solution to the rectangular Cross Puzzle figure
Cross Puzzle figure in the shape of a cross
Solution to the cross-shaped Cross Puzzle figure
Cross Puzzle figure in the shape of a dumbbell
Solution to the dumbbell-shaped Cross Puzzle figure
Cross Puzzle figure 04
Solution to Cross Puzzle figure 04
Cross Puzzle figure 05
Solution to Cross Puzzle figure 05
Cross Puzzle figure 06
Solution to Cross Puzzle figure 06

Resources & Downloads

3D-Printing Templates

The 3D-printing files include the seven Cross Puzzle pieces and a slider box.

Cross Puzzle on Printables ➡️
3D-printed Cross Puzzle
Slider box for the 3D-printed Cross Puzzle

Cardboard Templates

The PDF contains templates in several colors for making a cardboard Cross Puzzle.

Cardboard Templates
Cardboard template for the Cross Puzzle