Connections for Google Sheets™ by Avi Megiddo brings the popular word categorization puzzle format into a familiar, flexible spreadsheet environment. Inspired by the New York Times’ Connections game, this add-on allows players to group words into shared categories while receiving immediate visual feedback, all without leaving Google Sheets™.

This project is designed as an educational and exploratory tool, particularly well suited for classrooms, language learners, and anyone who enjoys logic-based word games. Teachers can customize categories and word lists to match their curriculum, making the game adaptable for vocabulary practice, ESL instruction, and critical thinking exercises.

This add-on is an independent recreation inspired by the original game and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The New York Times.

How the Game Works

Players are presented with a 4×4 grid of words.

The goal is to identify four groups of four words that share a common category.

Categories are intentionally non-obvious, encouraging careful analysis and discussion.

How to Play

Start a New Game
Use the add-on controls to generate a fresh 4×4 grid of words in Google Sheets™.

Select Words
Hold the appropriate key while clicking words in the grid:

Windows: Ctrl

Mac: ⌘ Command

Chrome OS: Shift

Check Your Selection
Click Check Selection to validate your choice.

Get Instant Feedback

Correct groups are highlighted in soft pastel colors

Text is struck through to mark progress

The category name and matched words appear beside the grid

Complete the Puzzle
Continue until all four categories are correctly identified. You can then start a new game instantly.

Educational Benefits

This game supports learning in multiple ways:

Critical thinking: Players evaluate subtle relationships between words

Vocabulary development: Exposure to new words and nuanced meanings

Categorization skills: Reinforces semantic grouping and pattern recognition

Engagement: Game mechanics encourage persistence and focus

Classroom-friendly: Encourages discussion, collaboration, and friendly competition

The interactive format makes learning feel like play, helping students stay motivated while building language and reasoning skills.

Customizable and Teacher-Friendly

The add-on uses two sheets within Google Sheets™.

Category Words Sheet
A simple database where each row contains:

A category name

A comma-separated list of words

Teachers can easily add, remove, or modify categories. No coding required.

NY Times Connections Game Sheet
The interactive game board where:

Words appear in a 4×4 grid

Selections are made directly in the sheet

Results and categories are displayed alongside the grid

This structure makes the game highly adaptable and easy to extend for different subjects or grade levels.

Built with Google Apps Script™

Google Apps Script™ powers the game logic, user interface interactions, and gameplay feedback. AI tools were used to assist with generating category data and drafting parts of the script logic, helping ensure smooth gameplay and diverse content.

All gameplay runs entirely within Google Sheets™. No external data is collected or stored.

Privacy and Data Use

The add-on does not collect personal data

All game data remains in the user’s Google Sheets™ file

No external servers or tracking are used

A full Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are provided with the add-on.

Conclusion

NY Times Connections Game for Google Sheets™ offers a thoughtful blend of puzzle-based entertainment and educational value. Whether used in the classroom, for language learning, or as a daily brain exercise, it provides a flexible and accessible way to engage with words and ideas directly inside Google Sheets™.