How Many Edge Pieces Are in a 500-Piece Puzzle?

Seems like a straightforward question, right? But the truth is, there isn’t one exact number. The number of edge pieces in a 500-piece puzzle can vary depending on the puzzle’s layout, piece cut, and even the manufacturer. Some puzzlers will say "it’s about 60", but the real answer is: it depends.

Not All 500-Piece Puzzles Are Created Equal

Most puzzle brands use piece counts as an approximation — not a guarantee. A puzzle box might say 500 pieces, but you might open it up and find 498… or 504. The reason? Manufacturers work with templates and die cuts, and the way those pieces break down into rows and columns can leave a few extra (or fewer) pieces depending on how the edges are trimmed.

Edge Piece Count Depends on Puzzle Dimensions

If you have a perfectly rectangular puzzle that’s cut in a 25 x 20 grid, that gives you 500 pieces total. In that case, you'd get:

• 25 pieces on the top edge
• 25 on the bottom
• 18 on each side (excluding corners, since those are shared)

Which totals 25 + 25 + 18 + 18 = 86 edge pieces (including the 4 corners).

But not every puzzle is a neat grid. Many puzzles use random cuts, odd dimensions, or even curved edges — all of which change the math. Some puzzles might only have 60–70 edge pieces because the cut doesn’t align evenly. Some puzzles don’t even have traditional edges at all!

Why Puzzle Piece Counts Vary

Most puzzlers are surprised to learn that the number on the box is often a ballpark. Here's why piece counts vary:

• Die cutting templates don’t always land on exactly 500.
• Custom cuts (like those with whimsies or non-standard grids) often result in unusual totals.
• Some manufacturers count “one piece” as any shape — so even large, unusually shaped corner pieces count the same as a tiny connector.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If you’re missing a piece, don’t assume it was supposed to be “500 exactly.” If you’re counting edge pieces, just know that the total will depend on the puzzle’s specific layout. And if you’re speed puzzling and sorting edge pieces — it’s okay if you don’t find a “magic number.” There isn’t one.