June 20, 2026 · 21 min read

Nonogram Example: Master Logic Puzzles with This Guide

Looking for a clear nonogram example? Learn how to solve these logic puzzles with our step-by-step guide, tips, and simple examples. Perfect for beginners!

June 20, 2026 · 21 min read

Logic Puzzles Brain Games

Nonograms, also known as Picross, Griddlers, or Japanese crosswords, are logic puzzles where cells in a grid must be colored or left blank according to numbers at the side of the grid to reveal a hidden picture. If you're curious about how to solve a nonogram, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through a clear nonogram example, explain the fundamental logic, and provide tips that will help you master these engaging puzzles.

The appeal of nonograms lies in their deceptive simplicity. On the surface, they look like a grid of numbers. But beneath that lies a fascinating challenge that engages your deductive reasoning skills. Unlike crossword puzzles that rely on vocabulary, or Sudoku that uses numerical order, nonograms are purely about spatial logic and pattern recognition. The satisfaction of filling in the grid, cell by cell, until a coherent image emerges is incredibly rewarding.

Understanding the Basics: How Nonograms Work

At its core, a nonogram is about deduction. You're given a grid and a series of numbers along the top and left sides. These numbers are clues. For a row or column, the numbers tell you the lengths of consecutive blocks of filled-in cells. For instance, if a row has the clue "3 1", it means there's a block of 3 filled cells, then at least one blank cell, followed by a block of 1 filled cell. The order of these numbers is crucial – the "3" block must come before the "1" block.

Let's break down the components:

The Grid: A blank canvas of squares, waiting to be filled. The size of the grid can vary greatly, from small 5x5 puzzles to massive 50x50 grids.
The Clues (Numbers): These are the heart of the puzzle. They appear above each column and to the left of each row. Each number represents a contiguous block of filled cells. Multiple numbers in a clue indicate multiple blocks, separated by at least one blank cell.
Filled Cells (Black): Typically represented by a filled-in square or an 'X'.
Blank Cells (White): Typically represented by an empty square or a '.'.

The nonogram logic hinges on finding cells that must be filled or must be blank. You don't guess; you deduce. The goal is to use the clues and the information you've already deduced to logically determine the state of every cell in the grid.

Your First Nonogram Example: A Simple 5x5 Puzzle

To truly grasp how to solve a nonogram, there's no substitute for a practical example. Let's tackle a simple 5x5 nonogram. Imagine we have the following clues:

Columns (Top to Bottom):

Rows (Left to Right):

Let's represent our 5x5 grid with empty squares:

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| □ □ □ □ □ |
3| □ □ □ □ □ |
2 1| □ □ □ □ □ |
3| □ □ □ □ □ |
2| □ □ □ □ □ |
  -----------------

Now, let's begin the solving process, employing nonogram logic.

Step 1: Look for Full Rows/Columns

The easiest clues to start with are those that completely fill the grid. In our example, Column 3 has a clue of '5'. Since the grid is 5 cells wide, this means all 5 cells in Column 3 must be filled.

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| □ □ ■ □ □ |
3| □ □ ■ □ □ |
2 1| □ □ ■ □ □ |
3| □ □ ■ □ □ |
2| □ □ ■ □ □ |
  -----------------

(Here, '■' represents a filled cell and '□' represents an empty cell.)

Step 2: Use Overlapping Logic

This is a fundamental technique. If a clue's number is larger than half the grid's dimension, there will be an overlap of cells that must be filled regardless of where the block starts or ends. For a dimension of 5, a clue of '3' will always have one cell that is part of the filled block whether it starts at the first possible position or the last.

Let's apply this to our example:

Row 2: Clue '3'. In a 5-cell row, a block of 3 will always overlap in the middle cell. So, Row 2, Cell 3 must be filled.
Row 4: Clue '3'. Similarly, Row 4, Cell 3 must be filled.
Column 2: Clue '2'. This clue alone doesn't guarantee an overlap in a 5-cell column. However, we know Cell 3 is already filled from the previous steps.
Column 4: Clue '1'. Doesn't guarantee overlap.

Let's update our grid with the new confirmed filled cell (Row 2, Cell 3):

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| □ □ ■ □ □ |
3| □ □ ■ □ □ |
2 1| □ ■ ■ ■ □ |
3| □ □ ■ □ □ |
2| □ □ ■ □ □ |
  -----------------

Step 3: Deduce Based on Filled/Blank Cells

Now, look at the rows and columns where you've made progress.

Row 3: Clue '2 1'. We currently have filled cells in positions 2, 3, and 4. This means Cell 3 is part of a block of 3, which contradicts the '2 1' clue. Let's re-evaluate. We know Cell 3 is filled. The clue is '2 1'. This means we have a block of 2, then a blank, then a block of 1. Or vice versa. Since Cell 3 is filled, it could be the '2' block or the '1' block. Let's look at Column 3 again. It's '5', all filled. Our current state for Row 3 is □ ■ ■ ■ □. Ah, my apologies. The grid was updated incorrectly in the previous step for Row 3. Let's correct that. We had 2 1| □ □ □ □ □ |. The '5' in Column 3 means 2 1| □ □ ■ □ □ |. Now, applying the '2 1' clue to Row 3: we need a block of 2, then at least one blank, then a block of 1. With Cell 3 filled, the '2 1' clue cannot fit. This indicates my initial simple grid had an error in representation or the clues themselves don't perfectly align with a simple step-by-step verbalization without a visual. Let's restart the example grid and focus on the process with more clarity.

Let's use a more visually intuitive representation for the cells: 'X' for filled, '.' for blank.

Simple 5x5 Nonogram Example: Let's try again!

Columns:

Rows:

Initial Grid:

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| . . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
2 1| . . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
2| . . . . . |
  -----------------

Step 1: Full Clues

Column 3: Clue '5'. This means all 5 cells in Column 3 are 'X'.

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| . . X . . |
3| . . X . . |
2 1| . . X . . |
3| . . X . . |
2| . . X . . |
  -----------------

Step 2: Overlap Logic (for dimensions of 5 and clues > 2)

Row 2: Clue '3'. In 5 cells, a block of 3 will overlap at cell 3. So, Row 2, Col 3 must be 'X'. (Already confirmed).
Row 4: Clue '3'. In 5 cells, a block of 3 will overlap at cell 3. So, Row 4, Col 3 must be 'X'. (Already confirmed).
Row 3: Clue '2 1'. This is a bit trickier. We have a block of 2, then a blank, then a block of 1. In 5 cells, the '2' block can start at position 1 (filling 1,2) or position 2 (filling 2,3) or position 3 (filling 3,4) or position 4 (filling 4,5). The '1' block can similarly be placed. The constraint of having a blank between them is key.

Let's analyze Row 3 ('2 1') with Col 3 already being 'X':

  2  2 1  5  2 1  2
  -----------------
2| . . X . . |
3| . . X . . |
2 1| . . X . . |
3| . . X . . |
2| . . X . . |
  -----------------

In Row 3, the 'X' in Col 3 must be part of either the '2' block or the '1' block.

If it's part of the '1' block: The block would be 'X' at Col 3. Then there must be a blank. Then a '2' block. This could be ..X.X. (blank at 4) or .XX.X. (blank at 4) or XX.XX. (blank at 3 - not possible as 3 is X). This is getting complicated for a simple example without a visual. Let's try a different approach for explanation.

Instead of filling the grid live, let's explain the logic applied to deduce each cell.

Revised Nonogram Example Explanation Strategy

Let's consider a simple nonogram where the goal is to create a small shape, like a smiley face. We'll focus on the nonogram logic steps.

Imagine this 5x5 grid and its clues:

Columns:

Rows:

This symmetrical puzzle is designed to highlight common deduction methods.

Step 1: Identify Fully Determined Cells

Row 1: Clue '1'. In a 5-cell row, a clue of '1' is tricky. It could be any of the 5 cells. But, if we look at Column 1, its clue is also '1'. This means Row 1, Col 1 must be filled (an 'X').
Column 1: Clue '1'. We just deduced Row 1, Col 1 is 'X'. So, Column 1 is complete. All other cells in Col 1 must be blank ('.').
Row 5: Clue '1'. By symmetry with Row 1, and looking at Column 5 (clue '1'), we deduce Row 5, Col 5 is 'X'.
Column 5: Clue '1'. We just deduced Row 5, Col 5 is 'X'. So, Column 5 is complete. All other cells in Col 5 must be blank ('.').

Our grid now looks like this ('.' for blank, 'X' for filled):

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| X . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
1 1| . . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
1| . . . . X |
  -----------------

Step 2: Utilize Overlap for Larger Clues

Row 2: Clue '3'. In a 5-cell row, a clue of '3' means the middle cell (Cell 3) must be filled. Why? If the block starts at Col 1, it fills 1,2,3. If it starts at Col 2, it fills 2,3,4. If it starts at Col 3, it fills 3,4,5. In all cases, Cell 3 is filled.
Row 4: Clue '3'. By the same logic, Cell 3 of Row 4 must be filled.
Column 2: Clue '3'. By the same logic, Cell 3 of Column 2 must be filled.
Column 4: Clue '3'. By the same logic, Cell 3 of Column 4 must be filled.

Grid update:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| X . . . . |
3| . X . . . |
1 1| . . . . . |
3| . . X . . |
1| . . . . X |
  -----------------

Step 3: Deduce Based on Established Blocks and Blank Spaces

Row 3: Clue '1 1'. We have deduced that Cell 2 is 'X' and Cell 4 is 'X'. This means Cell 3 (which is the middle cell of the grid) must be blank ('.') because it's surrounded by filled cells, but the clue requires at least one blank cell between the two '1' blocks.
Column 3: Clue '1 1'. Similarly, Cell 3 of Column 3 must be blank ('.') due to the symmetry and the established 'X's in Row 2 and Row 4.

Grid update:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| X . . . . |
3| . X . . . |
1 1| . . . . . |
3| . . X . . |
1| . . . . X |
  -----------------

Let's re-examine Row 3: 1 1| . . . . . |. We know Cell 2 is 'X' and Cell 4 is 'X'. If Cell 3 is '.', then the clue '1 1' means a block of 1, then a blank, then a block of 1. This fits! But where are they? We have 'X' at Col 2. The clue is '1 1'. This means Col 2 cannot be part of the '1 1' clue. This implies my deduction about Cell 3 being 'X' for Rows 2 and 4 was correct, and then Row 3's deduction about Cell 3 being '.' is crucial.

Let's refine the state based on deductions so far:

Col 1: '1'. Row 1, Col 1 is 'X'. This column is done. All others '.'.
Col 5: '1'. Row 5, Col 5 is 'X'. This column is done. All others '.'.
Row 1: '1'. Row 1, Col 1 is 'X'. Done.
Row 5: '1'. Row 5, Col 5 is 'X'. Done.
Row 2: '3'. Cells (1,2), (2,2), (3,2) must be X. Wait, this is wrong. The clue '3' in a 5-cell row means a block of three. With 'X' at Col 1, this clue '3' would fill 1,2,3. So Row 2, Col 2 must be 'X'. Row 2, Col 3 must be 'X'. Row 2, Col 4 must be '.'.

Let's retry the grid state with these refined steps. It's crucial to avoid premature declarations.

Corrected Simple Nonogram Example (Smiley Face)

Grid: 5x5

Columns:

Rows:

Initial State: All '.'

Step 1: Guaranteed Fills/Blanks

Full Grid Clues: None.
Overlap:
- Row 2 (clue '3'): Overlaps at Col 3. Row 2, Col 3 must be 'X'.
- Row 4 (clue '3'): Overlaps at Col 3. Row 4, Col 3 must be 'X'.
- Col 2 (clue '3'): Overlaps at Row 3. Col 2, Row 3 must be 'X'.
- Col 4 (clue '3'): Overlaps at Row 3. Col 4, Row 3 must be 'X'.

Grid so far:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| . . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
1 1| . X . X . |
3| . . X . . |
1| . . . . . |
  -----------------

Step 2: Deductions from Filled Cells

Row 3: Clue '1 1'. We have 'X' at Col 2 and Col 4. This implies Cell 3 must be blank ('.') to separate the two blocks. The '1' block must be Col 2 ('X'), and the other '1' block must be Col 4 ('X'). This completes Row 3. All other cells in Row 3 are '.'.
Column 3: Clue '1 1'. We have 'X' at Row 2 and Row 4. By the same logic as Row 3, Cell 3 of Col 3 must be blank ('.'). The '1' block is Row 2 ('X'), and the other '1' block is Row 4 ('X'). This completes Column 3. All other cells in Col 3 are '.'.

Grid so far:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| . . . . . |
3| . . . . . |
1 1| . X . X . |
3| . . . . . |
1| . . . . . |
  -----------------

Wait, my previous deduction for Row 3 and Col 3 based on the '1 1' clue was: 1 1| . X . X . |. This implies the clue is '1 1' and the numbers correspond to the blocks. If we have 'X' at Col 2 and 'X' at Col 4, and a '.' at Col 3, then Row 3 IS . X . X .. This fits the '1 1' clue (block of 1, blank, block of 1). So Row 3 is . X . X .. This row is now complete.

Similarly, Column 3 is . . . . . initially. We deduced Row 2, Col 3 and Row 4, Col 3 are 'X'. The clue for Col 3 is '1 1'. With 'X' at Row 2 and Row 4, Col 3 must be '.' to separate them. So, Col 3 is . X . X .. This column is now complete.

Let's update the grid accurately based on this:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| . . . . . |
3| . X . . . |
1 1| . X . X . |
3| . . X . . |
1| . . . . . |
  -----------------

Now, let's use the completed Row 3 and Col 3 information to deduce more.

Row 2: Clue '3'. We have 'X' at Col 3. The clue is '3'. This means the block of 3 must span cells 2, 3, 4 OR 1, 2, 3 OR 3, 4, 5. Since Col 3 is 'X', the block could be X X X at 2,3,4. Or X X X at 1,2,3. Or X X X at 3,4,5. With Col 3 filled, and the clue being '3', it means Row 2, Col 2 must be 'X' and Row 2, Col 4 must be 'X'. The current state of Row 2 is . X . . .. If Row 2, Col 3 is 'X', and the clue is '3', the block could be cells (1,2,3) or (2,3,4) or (3,4,5). Given Col 3 is 'X', the block can be (2,3,4) or (3,4,5). If it's (2,3,4), then Row 2, Col 2 is 'X', Col 3 is 'X', Col 4 is 'X'. If it's (3,4,5), then Col 3 is 'X', Col 4 is 'X', Col 5 is 'X'. Let's revisit Row 2, Col 3. It must be 'X' from overlap. Clue is '3'. The block of 3 must contain this 'X'. If Row 2, Col 3 is the only 'X', then the clue would be '1'. Since it's '3', there must be more 'X's. The block of 3 could be centered at Col 3: cells (2,3,4). If so, Row 2, Col 2 = 'X', Row 2, Col 3 = 'X', Row 2, Col 4 = 'X'. This matches the current state of Row 2 (Col 3 is 'X') and implies Col 2 and Col 4 must also be 'X'.
Row 4: Clue '3'. Similarly, with Col 3 being 'X', this implies Row 4, Col 2 = 'X' and Row 4, Col 4 = 'X'.

Grid update:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| . . . . . |
3| . X X X . |
1 1| . X . X . |
3| . X X X . |
1| . . . . . |
  -----------------

Step 3: Finalizing the Grid

Row 1: Clue '1'. We have '.' at Cols 2, 3, 4, 5. The '1' must be at Col 1. But we already have 'X' at (1,1) from initial deduction. This means Row 1, Col 1 is 'X', and all others are '.'. This row is now complete.
Row 5: Clue '1'. By symmetry, Row 5, Col 5 is 'X', and all others are '.'. This row is now complete.
Column 1: Clue '1'. Row 1, Col 1 is 'X'. Column 1 is complete.
Column 5: Clue '1'. Row 5, Col 5 is 'X'. Column 5 is complete.

Grid is now:

  1  3  1 1  3  1
  -----------------
1| X . . . . |
3| . X X X . |
1 1| . X . X . |
3| . X X X . |
1| . . . . X |
  -----------------

Let's check if all clues are satisfied:

Columns:
- 1: X (Correct)
- 3: X X X (Correct)
- 1 1: . X . X . (Correct - first 1 at Row 2, second 1 at Row 4)
- 3: X X X (Correct)
- 1: X (Correct)
Rows:
- 1: X (Correct)
- 3: X X X (Correct)
- 1 1: . X . X . (Correct - first 1 at Col 2, second 1 at Col 4)
- 3: X X X (Correct)
- 1: X (Correct)

Success! The resulting picture is a simple smiley face.

Key Strategies for Solving Nonograms

Beyond the basic steps, here are some essential strategies for tackling nonogram logic puzzles:

Start with the Obvious: Always look for fully specified rows or columns (clue number equals grid dimension). Then, look for clues where the sum of the numbers plus the minimum required blanks (number of blocks - 1) equals the grid dimension. For example, in a 10-cell row with clue "4 3 2", the total length is 4+3+2 = 9. With 2 blanks needed (3 blocks - 1), the total is 11. This is impossible for a 10-cell row. However, a clue like "5" in a 5-cell row is obvious. A clue like "3" in a 5-cell row uses overlap (cell 3 guaranteed).
Marking Blanks: Don't just fill in the 'X's. Use a different symbol (like '.') to mark cells that you are certain are blank. This is as crucial as marking filled cells.
Cross-Referencing Sides: The nonogram sides (both rows and columns) provide clues to each other. A filled cell in a row might help you deduce possibilities in a column, and vice versa.
Edge Logic: When a block is near the edge, it can be easier to place. If a row starts with '3' and the first cell is 'X', then cells 1, 2, and 3 are part of that block.
Breaking Down Large Clues: For a large number in a clue (e.g., '7' in a 10-cell row), it's useful to consider its possible positions. If you've already filled a cell, that narrows down the options for the '7' block.
Elimination: If a cell cannot possibly be part of any valid block placement for a given row or column, mark it as blank.

Common Nonogram Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Guessing: Never guess. If you're stuck, re-examine your deductions. There's always a logical path.
Ignoring Blank Cells: Many beginners focus only on placing 'X's. Identifying blank cells is equally important and often unlocks further deductions.
Getting Overwhelmed by Large Grids: Start with simpler puzzles to build confidence. Larger grids require patience and meticulous application of the same logic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nonograms

What is a nonogram example? A nonogram example is a specific instance of a nonogram puzzle, complete with its grid dimensions, row clues, and column clues, used to demonstrate how to solve it. Our guide provided a step-by-step nonogram example to illustrate the logic.
How do I know where to start solving a nonogram? Start by looking for the most straightforward clues: full rows/columns, or clues where overlap logic guarantees a cell must be filled.
What does "nonogram sides" refer to? "Nonogram sides" refers to the numbers (clues) that are listed along the top (for columns) and the left (for rows) of the grid. These are the essential pieces of information for solving the puzzle.
Are there different types of nonograms? Yes, while the core logic remains the same, nonograms can vary greatly in size, complexity, and the images they reveal. There are also advanced variants, but the fundamental principles of nonogram logic apply to all.

Conclusion

Nonograms are a fantastic way to exercise your logical thinking and pattern recognition skills. By understanding the clues, utilizing overlap and edge logic, and diligently marking both filled and blank cells, you can unravel any nonogram. Our nonogram example and explanations aim to demystify the process, showing that with a systematic approach, even complex grids become solvable. Happy puzzling!