Bingo Patterns

Bingo patterns are the shapes a player must mark on a 5 × 5 card to win, such as four corners, an X or the full card. This free tool shows 24 bingo patterns, so you can see exactly which squares each one needs. You can print the patterns, make your own, or open a pattern in the online caller to check winning cards. It runs in your web browser, with no sign-up and no download, and nothing you create is uploaded.

The gallery covers the standard shapes, including four corners bingo, X, plus sign, letters, diamonds, picture frame, heart and blackout bingo (the full card). Whether you want a fun bingo patterns session with a mix of shapes or a printable set for a classroom or family game, the tools below the gallery cover both.

How to use the Bingo patterns tool

1. Scroll through the gallery of the 24 patterns on this page.
2. Tap any pattern to see it large.
3. To print, tick the patterns you want in the gallery, or tick Select all.
4. Choose 1, 2, 4 or 6 patterns per page, and choose US Letter or A4 paper.
5. Print the sheet. Use 1 per page for a wall poster, or 6 per page for handouts.
6. To play a pattern, tap Play this pattern with the caller. The online caller opens set to that pattern so it can check winning cards.
7. To make your own pattern, tap squares on the 5 × 5 grid.
8. Name your pattern, then use Clear, Fill all or Invert to change the grid quickly.
9. Copy the link in the address bar. It keeps your pattern, so you can save it or share it.

If you only want to send one existing pattern to someone, use Copy link on that pattern. It opens that pattern directly.

Before the game, tell players which pattern counts, and show it if you can: a printed poster on the wall or the large view on a screen saves arguments later. If you use the online caller, open it from this page so its winner check uses the same pattern. Changing to a new pattern between games is fine, as long as everyone hears about it first.

What are the bingo patterns?

Bingo patterns are the shapes a player must mark on a 5 × 5 card to win a game. Before each game, the caller announces the pattern, and players mark called numbers as usual, but they only win when their marked squares form that shape.

Patterns differ a lot in size. Some need only a few numbers, while others need almost the whole card. With the free centre counted, these are a few examples:

• Four corners: 4 numbers
• Postage stamp: 4 numbers
• Small diamond: 4 numbers
• Any line: 4 or 5 numbers (a line through the centre needs 4)
• X, plus sign, letter T, inner square, big diamond: 8 numbers
• Letter L: 9 numbers
• Letters H, Z and N: 12 numbers
• Letter U: 13 numbers
• Heart: 15 numbers
• Picture frame: 16 numbers
• Blackout: 24 numbers

Some patterns can be completed in more than one place on the card, such as any line, any row, any column, any diagonal, two lines and postage stamp. The tool draws one example for these and marks it as an Example.

How to win bingo patterns?

To win a pattern, a player needs every square in the shape marked, and those squares must match the pattern the caller announced. A player who has a complete line but a different announced shape does not win that round.

The free centre square counts as already marked whenever a pattern covers it. This is why X bingo needs only 8 called numbers instead of 9. Patterns that do not cover the centre, such as four corners, must have all their numbers called.

The size of the pattern sets the length of the game. Small patterns like four corners end fast. Large ones like blackout make long games. Many halls play several patterns in one session, starting with a single line and finishing with a full card, so players get a quick win and a longer final goal.

Frequently asked questions

How to play X bingo?

The caller announces X bingo before the game. Players mark both diagonals of the card, which forms an X. With the free centre, a player needs 8 called numbers to complete it. The first player whose marked squares form both diagonals wins that round.

Can you give me a list of different bingo games?

The gallery includes any line, any row, any column, any diagonal, two lines, postage stamp, four corners, small diamond, big diamond, X, plus sign, letters T, L, H, U, Z and N, picture frame, inner square, pyramid, arrow, kite, heart and blackout. Each one is a different bingo game, depending on the shape the caller announces.

How can I make my bingo more interesting?

Mix small and large patterns in the same session. Start with a quick pattern such as four corners, then move to a bigger one like a picture frame or blackout. You can also make your own pattern on the 5 × 5 grid, name it, and share the link so players can try a shape you designed.

Does the free space count in a pattern?

Yes. The free centre counts as already marked whenever a pattern covers it. Patterns that do not cover the centre, such as four corners, still need every number in their shape called.

What is blackout bingo?

Blackout bingo means the whole card must be marked. With the free centre, a player needs 24 called numbers. It is the longest pattern in the gallery, so it works well as the final round of a session.

Can I print bingo patterns?

Yes. Tick the patterns you want, then print 1, 2, 4 or 6 per page on US Letter or A4 paper. Use 1 per page for a wall poster, or 6 per page for handouts.

Related tools

• Bingo caller: Use this when you are ready to call numbers and check winning cards during a game.
• Bingo card generator: Use this to create the cards your players will mark during a pattern game.
• Printable bingo cards (1–75): Use this to print numbered cards that match the standard 1–75 range.
• Virtual bingo: Use this to run a pattern game online with players in different places.
• Bingo call sheets: Use this to print a master sheet and tick off each number as it is called.
• Bingo number generator: Use this to draw random numbers for the caller when you do not have a physical set.
• Christmas bingo: Use this for a holiday-themed game that can use the same patterns.