The NYT Strands puzzle for September 25, 2026, is number 936. Today’s theme, “1 x 1, etc.,” shifts the focus toward mathematics, specifically dealing with the products of integers multiplied by themselves.
Hints for Today’s Strands
If you are looking for a nudge in the right direction without seeing the full solution, these progressive hints describe the logic behind the grid.
- Broad Hint: Think about elementary arithmetic and the shapes often used to represent specific types of numbers.
- Stronger Hint: Every theme word in the puzzle is a number that is the result of a “perfect” multiplication (e.g., 2 times 2, 3 times 3).
- Spangram Hint: This two-word term describes an integer that is the product of some integer with itself. It starts with an “S” and ends with an “R.”
Spoiler Warning: Solutions Below
The following section lists the spangram and every theme word for NYT Strands #936. Avoid reading further if you wish to solve the puzzle on your own.
The Spangram for today’s puzzle is SQUARE NUMBER. This term identifies the mathematical relationship shared by every other word in the grid.
The five theme words for puzzle #936 are:
- FOUR
- NINE
- SIXTEEN
- TWENTYFIVE
- THIRTYSIX
In today’s numerical grid, you can also uncover valid non-theme words such as FINE, NITE, BARE, and TONE to fill your hint meter. According to Forbes, the sequence of answers specifically highlights the progression of perfect squares from 2 squared to 6 squared. This puzzle follows the mathematical logic of the theme, unlike the “Backyard Fun” theme found in September 24 (#935).
