Today’s NYT Strands puzzle leaned on mathematical language and classroom staples — tidy, familiar terms that feel intentionally academic. The clue set pushed solvers toward formal math vocabulary rather than everyday math phrases, with a spangram that neatly ties the classroom vibe together.

3 December 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “It all adds up”

3 December 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of words you’d find on a math syllabus or written on a classroom whiteboard.
  • Look for both short and long technical terms; some answers hide in plain sight along straight runs.
  • Scan diagonals and backwards lines — functions and equations love to lurk at odd angles.
  • Expect a mix of process words and formal names (one is about proving things).
  • Spangram ties the list together: Math Class.

3 December 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Graph (a plotted visual of relationships)
  • Calculation (the act of computing a result)
  • Equation (a statement that two expressions are equal)
  • Function (a relation mapping inputs to outputs)
  • Theorem (a proved mathematical statement)

Spangram

Math Class
A single phrase that unifies the answers and uses many of the grid’s letters — evoking the classroom setting where graphs, functions, equations, calculations, and theorems meet.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
• You’re given a theme.
• The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
• Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
• Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 5–8 theme words.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

Today’s puzzle played fair — accessible if you think like a student in class, with one slightly formal term that bumps difficulty. Nicely themed and satisfying to finish. How many did you find?