How Big Is a 1000-Piece Puzzle?

If you have been into jigsaw puzzles for a while, you’re probably already at that stage where you’re ready for a bigger challenge. Puzzles consisting of 300-500 pieces simply don’t hit the spot anymore – it’s time to graduate to 1000-piece puzzles. However, 1000-piece puzzles tend to be quite large, so you should first ensure you have enough room for your jigsaw. But just how big is a 1000-piece puzzle, anyway?

There is no uniform size for puzzles across the board. The exact size of a solved puzzle will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of pieces and their size. On average, however, the long side of a 1000-piece jigsaw is around 28”, with the short side being around 20”.

How Big Is a 1000-Piece Puzzle: Manufacturer Puzzle Piece Size Comparison

Another factor that goes into the size of a solved puzzle is the manufacturer. Most puzzle makers have a preference when it comes to puzzle sizes. Here’s a quick overview:

How Big of a Table Do You Need for a 1000-Piece Puzzle?

While you can most certainly solve your 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle on the floor, it would probably be more practical and comfortable to do it on a table. Make sure that the dimensions of the table exceed the dimensions of the solved puzzle by at least a little. Ideally, you will also have enough room to place your pieces, the reference photo from the box, and a nice cup of coffee or tea.

So for instance, if the puzzle you’re planning to solve is 24x30”, you will need a table that is larger than 24x30”. At the very least, you should have a couple of inches on each side of the puzzle for some wiggle room. But remember, the more room you have, the better – it will make your puzzle-solving experience much more enjoyable.

What to Look for in a 1000-Piece Puzzle Table

While any table big enough (or any flat surface, really) will do the trick, if you want to be a true puzzle-solving star, consider investing in a puzzle table. Specialized puzzle tables come with perks such as a non-slip surface, trays or drawers for the pieces, or even an adjustable easel table top. Mary Maxim’s Jigsaw Spinner Table also comes with a rotational joint, so you don’t have to move from corner to corner to work your puzzle. It also makes teamwork easier. 

Conclusion

Jigsaw puzzles come in all shapes and sizes, especially those containing 1000 or more pieces. While we covered the most common dimensions for regular, rectangular puzzles, we didn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to irregularly shaped puzzles, such as this Cardinals Jigsaw Puzzle from Masterpiece.

How Big Is a 1000-Piece Puzzle: Frequently Asked Questions

What size frame is a 1000-piece puzzle?

The precise size of the frame you’ll need depends on the dimensions of your finished 1000-piece puzzle. As a rule of thumb, go for a frame slightly larger than the puzzle – about one inch on each side.

Is a 1000-piece jigsaw big?

While a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle is far from the largest puzzle ever made, it is certainly not considered small. These puzzles are usually challenging enough for experienced puzzle solvers.

How long does it take an adult to do a 1000-piece puzzle?

The time it takes for an adult to solve a 1000-piece puzzle depends on the puzzle, the adult, the amount of free time available, and so on. On average, however, it takes between 5 and 12 hours to solve a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle.