Word Play in Spreadsheets: Using Excel to Build a Simple Crossword Puzzle

Excel isn't just for numbers; its grid structure is perfect for visual design! You can easily build a functional, interactive crossword puzzle using simple formatting tricks and conditional formatting.

The key to a good Excel crossword is making the input cells easy to use and automatically confirming the correct answer.

Step 1: Setting up the Grid

The standard Excel cell dimensions are too wide for a square grid. First, make a perfect square grid:

1. Click the small triangle above row 1 and to the left of column A to select the entire worksheet.
2. Go to the **Format** menu on the **Home** tab (or right-click the row/column header).
3. Set the **Column Width** to a small number (e.g., 2.5) and the **Row Height** to a corresponding larger number (e.g., 18) until the cells are square.

Next, use **borders** to outline the blocks where your words will be placed, leaving the surrounding cells blank (the black squares of a crossword).

Step 2: The Secret Answer Key

Your finished crossword needs two worksheets:

• **Sheet 1 (Puzzle):** The visible grid where users enter their one-letter answers.
• **Sheet 2 (Key):** A hidden sheet containing the correct answer for every single letter cell in the exact same location.

You can hide Sheet 2 to keep the answers secret while allowing the conditional formatting to reference it.

Step 3: Conditional Formatting for Instant Feedback

This is the fun part! Use conditional formatting to turn cells **green** when the user gets the letter right, and **red** when they get it wrong.

1. Select all the white crossword cells on **Sheet 1**.
2. Go to the **Home** tab, click **Conditional Formatting** > **New Rule...**
3. Select **Use a formula to determine which cells to format**.
4. **Rule 1 (Correct - Green Fill):** Use the formula:

   =A1=Sheet2!A1

   *Format the cell with a Green Fill.* This checks if the user input (A1) matches the answer (Sheet2!A1).
5. **Rule 2 (Incorrect - Red Fill):** Use the formula:

   =AND(A1<>""; A1<>Sheet2!A1)

   *Format the cell with a Red Fill.* This checks if the cell is *not* empty AND the input doesn't match the answer.

Now, users get instant, color-coded feedback as they fill in the puzzle!

Don't forget to add your Across and Down clues outside the grid itself!