How to make bingo cards
You need a list, a grid and a way to make every card different. The BingoInk generator does the shuffling and prints a PDF; a blank template works if you would rather write by hand. Here is how to do both, and how long your list should be.
Step 1: choose words or numbers
Pick words or phrases (one a line or separated by commas, up to 300), a range of numbers, or classic 75-ball or 90-ball cards. Give the game a title: it prints on every card.
Step 2: size and free space
Cards can be 3x3 to 7x7. A 5x5 card is the standard; 3x3 suits small children and short lists. On odd sizes you can put a free space in the centre, which counts as marked from the start. Even sizes have no centre square, so no free space.
Step 3: how many cards, paper and layout
Choose up to 500 cards; every one comes out different. Pick Letter or A4 and 1, 2 or 4 cards a page, with cutting lines between them. Page one is a caller sheet with everything that can be called and a box to tick each one off. Each card carries its number.
Step 4: play, check, print again
During the game, call from the sheet or with the online caller. When someone calls bingo, enter their card number in the winner check and it shows the card marked with the calls so far. Bookmark the game link: it prints the very same cards again next time, so a lost card or a second class is easy to replace.
How many words you need
A card needs its squares filled: size times size, minus one if there is a free space. That is 8 for 3x3 with a free space, 16 for 4x4 and 24 for 5x5 with a free space. Use more words than squares, or every card holds the same set and everyone wins on the same call. For a 5x5 card with a free space, 35 to 50 words is a good list.
By hand, with a blank template
Print a blank card (also in 4x4 and 5x5), write the list on the board and let each player copy words into any squares. Copying is good spelling practice, and every card ends up different. Keep the list on a slip of paper to use as your calling list, and tick each word as you call it.
Questions
How do I make my own bingo cards for free?
Type your words or numbers into the generator on the BingoInk home page, choose the card size and how many cards you need, and download the PDF. It is free and needs no sign-up.
How many words do I need for a 5x5 bingo card?
24 with a free space, 25 without. Use 35 to 50 so the cards differ and players do not all win at once.
How do I make every bingo card different?
Use a list longer than the number of squares and shuffle it for each card. A generator does this for you; by hand, let each player copy words from the list in any order.
Can I make bingo cards with numbers instead of words?
Yes. Choose a number range such as 1 to 30, or classic 75-ball or 90-ball cards, and the generator fills the squares with numbers.
Can I print the same bingo cards again later?
Yes. Each game has its own link. Save it, and it prints the same cards again and checks winners against them.