The New York Times Strands puzzle for Friday, September 25, 2026, brings a mathematical challenge with the theme “1×1, etc…”. Players must find five words related to square numbers hidden in a letter grid, plus a special spangram that ties the puzzle together. Below, we break down the theme, offer hints, and reveal the full solution for puzzle #936.
Understanding Today’s NYT Strands Theme
The official theme “1×1, etc…” points directly to square numbers—the product of an integer multiplied by itself. The five theme words are names of square numbers: FOUR, NINE, TWENTYFIVE, THIRTYSIX, and EIGHTYONE. These correspond to 2×2, 3×3, 5×5, 6×6, and 9×9 respectively. The spangram, SQUARENUMBER, describes the category connecting all answers.
How NYT Strands Works
NYT Strands is a daily word-search puzzle where players drag or tap letters to form words related to a given theme. The spangram is a special word or phrase that touches two opposite sides of the board and appears in yellow when found. Players can also find non-theme words to earn hints—three such words unlock a hint revealing the letters of one theme word.
Hint for September 25, 2026
Main theme hint: “1×1, etc…”
Simpler clue: Think about numbers created when a number is multiplied by itself. The five theme words are square numbers. Reviewing basic multiplication tables can help narrow down the possibilities.
Spangram Hint
Still searching for the longest answer? Today’s spangram is mostly horizontal, starts with S, and ends with R. It describes the type of numbers connected to the theme.
Spangram Answer
The spangram for September 25, 2026, is SQUARENUMBER. It directly states the mathematical category linking all theme words.
Full Answers for NYT Strands #936
- FOUR (2×2)
- NINE (3×3)
- TWENTYFIVE (5×5)
- THIRTYSIX (6×6)
- EIGHTYONE (9×9)
- SQUARENUMBER (Spangram)
Why Today’s Puzzle May Take Some Time
The mathematical theme is straightforward once the clue is understood, but longer answers like TWENTYFIVE, THIRTYSIX, and EIGHTYONE can be tricky to spot in the grid. Shorter words like FOUR and NINE can help reveal the pattern. Once the spangram SQUARENUMBER is identified, the connection between the remaining words becomes clear.
Another Daily Word Challenge
NYT Strands offers a fresh theme and letter grid every day. Puzzle #936 focuses on square numbers with the clue “1×1, etc…”. For players stuck on September 25, the full answer list provides a direct route through the puzzle. The next Strands challenge will bring another theme and new hidden words.



