One game, which is timeless and can be tailored to fit any group or purpose, is bingo. However, making your own bingo cards can give you the flexibility to customise the design, layout and general content. That is why Wink Bingo has broken down everything you need to know about how to make bingo cards, including understanding the different formats of the game and how to use templates and other online tools:

  • Using online bingo card generators.
  • Using printable templates.
  • Manual creation with software (Excel, Google Sheets).
  • Using design software (Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator).

The benefits of customisation

Before we explain how to make bingo cards, there are a few reasons why you could do this in the first place. Creating your own bingo cards offers several advantages, including the ability to tailor the game to specific themes. Whether it be celebrations or even for a learning-based objective, customised bingo games can make the games more meaningful. 

You can use specific numbers, images, words or just general concepts to create personalised content to suit your audience. These things can all be adjusted, as well as the difficulty of the game itself, to be engaging for different demographics, making the game more enjoyable than it already is. At the same time, creating your own bingo cards can remain cost-effective, as you can print as many as you need without needing to purchase pre-made sets.

Understanding bingo card basics: Layouts & formats

It is important to be aware of the different formats of bingo and the unique ways in which they operate:

  • 90-ball bingo card (standard UK/Australia): When it comes to 90-ball bingo, these use cards that have 3 rows and 9 columns. There are 15 numbers placed randomly across these cards, with each row having 5 numbers and 4 blank spaces in total. Each column has a range of numbers increasing by increments of 10, with the first row having numbers from 1-9 and the last having numbers from 80-90. This number distribution is key to remember when learning how to make bingo cards for this specific format.

90 ball bingo card

  • 75-ball bingo card (standard US/Canada): In terms of 75-ball bingo, this operates differently. They have bingo cards laid out in a 5x5 square, with the centre space on row 3 having a free space. As opposed to 90-ball bingo, the columns instead have random numbers from groups of 15, which go up to 75. This number distribution creates a completely different type of gameplay experience; however, it retains the same familiar rules of traditional bingo.

75 ball bingo card

  • Picture/Word bingo card (customisable): Picture and word bingo is completely different to the other, more classical formats already mentioned. Depending on the approach you are going for, the grid design is flexible and can be 3x3, 4x4, 5x5 or any other size you wish. The content displayed across the grid itself is interchangeable, as you can replace the usual numbers with themed images or words. You can also experiment with the position of the free space; however, this detail is completely optional.

Spring bingo card

Method 1: Using online bingo card generators (easiest)

If you are unsure of how to make bingo cards, using online card generators is one of the easiest ways.

Step-by-step guide to using bingo card generators

  1. Choose a reliable bingo card generator available online.
  2. Select the type of bingo format you wish to generate a card for.
  3. Input the desired content, whether that be defining a range of numbers, uploading images or a list of chosen words.
  4. Customise the design of the bingo card, changing the fonts, colours and overall theme.
  5. Generate the desired number of cards you need.
  6. Download and print the generated bingo card as either a PDF or an image.

Using online bingo card generators is extremely fast and easy, ensuring that the grids you end up with look professional whilst also remaining unique. However, it is worth noting that they require an internet connection to access, and there can be less manual control over the layouts presented.

Online bingo card generator

Method 2: Using printable templates (good for beginners)

This is just one of the ways you can make your own layouts, should you be learning how to make bingo cards for the first time. There are also printable templates that can be found online, which are also great for creating your own games.

Step-by-step guide to using printable templates

Just like the card generators, using the printable bingo templates only requires a few key steps:

  1. First, find a high-quality printable template online.
  2. Download your chosen template and print either blank or semi-filled cards.
  3. Once printed, fill in the numbers, words or themed images manually.
  4. Make sure that each of the bingo cards is unique before duplicating them.

Printable bingo card templates don't require any special tools and are great for users who prefer a more hands-on approach. Despite this, this creation method could be more time-intensive, and the uniqueness of each card is not always guaranteed unless you check extensively.

Printable bingo cards

Method 3: Manual creation with software (advanced customisation)

Creating bingo cards can also be done manually with different types of software, too, with these often being ideal if you want more control over customisation.

Using spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software such as Excel and Google Sheets can be good:

  1. Begin by creating a 5x5 or 3x9 grid.
  2. Use formulas such as ‘RANDBETWEEN’ for the number generation.
  3. Manually review the formula to make sure each card is unique.
  4. Style the grids with borders, colours and fonts.
  5. Regenerate new cards by recalculating. This can be done by pressing ‘F9’.

Using design software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator)

When using specified design software, creating bingo cards works a little differently:

  1. Build your grid using shape tools.
  2. Add custom text or drag and drop your selected images onto the card.
  3. Duplicate and adjust the content for each of the bingo cards.
  4. Export in high quality before printing the created cards.

Whether you are using spreadsheets or programmes such as Photoshop, Canva or Illustrator, all of these allow maximum control over the design and creativity. Due to this, however, it can be more time-consuming as it requires skill to use the software effectively. At the same time, it could be difficult to ensure each card’s uniqueness.

Tips for great bingo cards

Now that we have broken down the various methods of how to create bingo cards, there are still a couple of helpful tips which can be factored in to make sure that they are great. No two cards should be identical; therefore, ensuring they are different from one another is key. This can be done by proofreading, something which also ensures that cards don't have any errors.

By using clear fonts and images, this ensures that the readability of the cards themselves is clear, which is highly important to make sure gameplay remains seamless for your audience. Aligning the text and any visuals with your chosen theme allows your customised cards to retain a consistent look, too.

As well as creating the bingo cards, you should also make a separate calling list. This should have all the pictures, numbers and words which can be called out, allowing the game itself to work.

FAQs

What's the easiest way to make unique bingo cards?
Using an online bingo card generator is generally the easiest method. These tools automate the process of randomising numbers or arranging your custom content, ensuring each card is unique and ready to print.

How do I ensure my handmade bingo cards are truly unique?
For number bingo, you must manually ensure that no two cards have the exact same combination of numbers in the exact same positions. When using online generators or good spreadsheet formulas, uniqueness is typically handled automatically. For picture/word bingo, vary the order of items on each card.

Can I make bingo cards with pictures instead of numbers?
Absolutely! Picture or word bingo is popular for themed parties, or educational purposes. You can use online generators or design software to create cards with images or words relevant to your theme.

What's the difference between a 75-ball and a 90-ball bingo card?
A 75-ball bingo card has a 5x5 grid with numbers 1-75, typically with a "FREE" centre space. A 90-ball bingo card has a 3x9 grid with 15 numbers (5 per row) and numbers from 1-90. The layout and number distribution rules differ significantly.

Do I need special paper to print bingo cards?
Standard printer paper works fine, but for increased durability, especially if you plan to reuse the cards, consider printing on slightly thicker cardstock or laminating them after printing.