How many words do you need?
A card needs one word per square, and more words make a better game. With exactly enough words, every card holds the same words in a different order, so games end fast and often in a tie.
| Card | Squares to fill | Fewest words | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×5 with a free space | 24 | 24 | 35 to 50 |
| 5×5 without a free space | 25 | 25 | 35 to 50 |
| 4×4 | 16 | 16 | 24 to 30 |
| 3×3 with a free space | 8 | 8 | 12 to 16 |
To put numbers on it, we played 2,000 simulated games with this generator’s own cards and calling order, 20 players each, on 5×5 cards with a free space:
| Words on the cards | First bingo, typical | First bingo was a tie |
|---|---|---|
| 24 (every card has every word) | after 8 calls | 25% of games |
| 40 (the Christmas list) | after 13 calls | 16% of games |
| Numbers 1–75 | after 23 calls | 10% of games |
So for a party game that lasts a while, aim for at least 35 words, or use the numbers.
Classic 1–75 bingo: what goes in each column
The classic American game uses 75 numbers, split by the letters across the top of the card:
| Column | Numbers |
|---|---|
| B | 1 to 15 |
| I | 16 to 30 |
| N | 31 to 45 |
| G | 46 to 60 |
| O | 61 to 75 |
Each column on a card holds five of its numbers, except N, which has four and the free space in the middle. Choose Numbers 1–75 and the generator follows these rules. The caller says the letter with the number, like “B 7”, so players know which column to check.
Printable bingo cards: print or save a PDF
Every set is printable. Tap Print or save as PDF to open your browser’s print window, then pick a printer or Save as PDF. Under Options you can fit 1, 2 or 4 cards on a page. Two cards per page are easy to read across a table, and four save paper. Ink saver prints the cards in black and white. The last page is a caller’s checklist with every word or number, so you can cross them off as you go.
Playing online with a link
For a video call, or a party where everyone has a phone, tap Copy play link and send it to the group. Each person who opens it gets their own card with its own number, and taps the squares as you call them. When someone shouts bingo, type their card number into Check card. No accounts, and no limit on players.
Running a holiday party? Draw names first with the Secret Santa generator, then play a round of bingo while the gifts are unwrapped, or follow it with a White Elephant game.