Make a Pi Tangram Puzzle - Only 1 in 5 Can Solve

A simple puzzle to make but can take some people hours to assemble - if at all.

1 in 5 do in my test - can you?

This is one of those puzzles that seems easy ... until you actually try to solve it.

What starts as a simple set of nine shapes quickly turns into a real challenge. Most people can form the square. But forming the Pi (π) symbol ... that’s where things get fun.

I designed this puzzle on Pi Day while my brother was visiting, so had to do something Pi-ish. The result is a 9-piece tangram-style puzzle (a Pi Tangram or Pi-gram) that can form both a perfect square and also the π symbol.

The best part? Watching someone try to solve it.

Before you read further, I recommend printing the shapes in the attached file and trying it yourself.

No hints. No spoilers. Just you and the puzzle.

BTW, if you don't know what a Tangram is here is some info.

Have Fun.

If you get stuck… you can always come check out the hint in Step 2.

Full solution is on Step 5.

Wood (I used Maple scraps 1/4" thick but you can use anything you want, like thick paper or better chipboard)

Scroll Saw (or a laser or CnC)

Scissors or Exacto knife for cutting the puzzle pattern

Sand Paper and Sanding Block

*Amazon referral links for convenience

Start by making a square. I chose 4.5" x 4.5" to keep the math simple. ( I guess metric would have been easier :-)

Divide the square into 9 equal smaller squares (a 3x3 grid).

You can:

1. Draw it by hand
2. Use graph paper
3. Or create it digitally

This grid becomes the foundation for both the square and π shapes.

Rearrange the 9 squares to form the π symbol.

Once you have the shape, begin slicing it into puzzle pieces using:

1. Straight cuts
2. Angled cuts (45° works great)

The goal is to create 9 pieces that:

1. Still form the π symbol
2. Can also be rearranged into a perfect square

This step may take a little trial and error—but that’s part of the fun.

The movie above provides just a quick peak for those that wanted an extra hint on how the shapes make Pi (π) but if you want more help you can look at the attached file. (Full solution on Step 5.)

Print your final pattern and transfer it onto your material.

Using a scroll saw (or similar tool):

1. Cut each piece slightly oversized
2. Then sand carefully down to the lines

This ensures a tight, satisfying fit when assembling the puzzle.

Take your time here. Fit and finish make a big difference in how enjoyable the puzzle feels.

Now for the fun part.

Try assembling:

1. The square
2. The π symbol

Most people find the square first… and then get stuck on π.

That’s exactly what you want.

If you’ve tried—and tried again—you can check the attached solution file. Maybe just play a bit to give you and hit :-)

1. Pi (π) assembly video
2. Square assembly video

Also, I attached a solution file for the Pi (π) & Square so you can print out.

What looks like a simple set of shapes turns into a surprisingly engaging puzzle.

If you really want to enjoy this puzzle, hand it to someone else and just watch. (A great gift too.)