Every element in its place
The periodic table organises all the chemical ELEMENTs that make up the universe, and this puzzle gathers some favourites. You'll be finding the lightest and most common — HYDROGEN, HELIUM, CARBON, OXYGEN and NITROGEN — the very building blocks of stars and living things.
Because every new puzzle reshuffles the table, no two periodic table word searches are the same. One round a backwards POTASSIUM hides in a corner; the next a diagonal MAGNESIUM appears across the middle.
Metals, gases and more
The table is full of variety, and the words are here. There are the shiny metals — GOLD, SILVER, COPPER, IRON and ZINC — the reactive ones like SODIUM, LITHIUM, CALCIUM, POTASSIUM and MAGNESIUM, and the gases NEON, ARGON and HELIUM. We've hidden MERCURY and SULFUR too, plus the words ELEMENT, SYMBOL and REACTIVE that every chemist learns.
It's a great fit for a chemistry topic. Tracking down M-A-G-N-E-S-I-U-M turns spelling practice into a chemistry lesson.
How to play
Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter — both work. Each word you spot locks in with its own colour and ticks off the list, so you always know what's left to find.
Want a real challenge? Switch to Medium or Hard for a bigger grid with diagonals and reverse words. Stuck on one? Tap Hint for a nudge, or Solve to reveal them all at once.
Print a periodic table word search pack
Tap Download for a printable PDF of fresh periodic table puzzles, with optional answer keys. Choose how many you want and how many per page — perfect for a chemistry topic, a classroom, or a quiet afternoon.
Teachers love these for chemistry lessons on the elements. Add a name-and-date line and you've got ready-to-print worksheets in seconds, free and account-free.
Frequently asked questions
What's in the periodic table word search?
Chemical elements — hydrogen, helium, carbon and oxygen, metals like gold, silver and iron, and reactive ones like sodium and potassium. Each puzzle uses a fresh mix.
Is the periodic table word search free to print?
Yes. Play free online or download a printable PDF pack with optional answer keys — no sign-up required.
Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Easy mode keeps the grid small with no diagonals or reverse words, perfect for a chemistry lesson and young learners.