How to Solve a Cryptogram

A cryptogram is a message encoded by replacing each letter with another letter. The same encoded letter always represents the same original letter, and different encoded letters represent different original letters. Spaces and punctuation remain in place.

Start by looking for short words. A one-letter word is often A or I, while common two- and three-letter words can provide useful clues. Apostrophes and repeated letters can also suggest possible words.

Look for patterns in longer words and repeated words throughout the puzzle. For example, a word with the same letter in its first and last positions must have the same pattern when decoded. Try a likely word and apply its letter substitutions everywhere they appear.

Use the resulting partial words and the meaning of the message to test your choices. If a substitution creates a contradiction or an unlikely word, revise it and try another possibility. Continue until the entire message reads clearly and every substitution is consistent.