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How to Make a Jeopardy Game in 2026 (5 Methods Compared)

By Steve Dennett · Last updated on January 4, 2026

Making a Jeopardy game in 2026 is easier than ever, but the best way to do it depends on how and where you plan to play.

You can make a Jeopardy game using slides, printable boards, spreadsheets, or modern online tools. Each method works well in different situations. In this guide, we will walk through the five most common ways to make a Jeopardy game and compare their strengths and tradeoffs so you can choose the right approach for your group.

Quick answer: You can make a Jeopardy game using slides, printables, spreadsheets, or online tools. Slides and printables work best for small or offline groups, while interactive platforms with built-in buzzers are best for live classrooms, game nights, or company events.

What makes a Jeopardy game work

Before choosing a tool, it helps to understand what actually makes a Jeopardy game fun and fair.

At a minimum, every Jeopardy game needs:

• Categories and clue values
• A way to reveal clues
• A system for determining who answers
• Scoring
• Clear rules around buzzing, turn-taking, and wagering

Some methods handle these pieces automatically, while others require more manual effort from the host.

The five main ways to make a Jeopardy game

1. PowerPoint or Google Slides

Using slides is the most traditional way to make a Jeopardy game.

You create a game board slide with categories and dollar values, then link each value to a slide containing the clue. After a player answers, you navigate to another slide that reveals the correct response and return to the board.

This method works well for small groups and one-off games, especially if you are already comfortable using slides.

Pros

• Free and familiar
• Fully customizable
• Works offline

Cons

• Manual scorekeeping
• No built-in buzzers
• Easy to lose track of turns
• Slower pace for larger groups

2. Printable Jeopardy boards

Printable boards are a low-tech option that works best in casual or offline settings.

The host prints a game board and clue sheets, reads clues aloud, and tracks scores manually on paper or a whiteboard. Buzzing is typically handled by hand-raising or a physical object.

This approach is simple but requires a confident host to keep things organized.

Pros

• No technology required
• Very simple setup
• Works anywhere

Cons

• Manual everything
• Hard to manage fairness
• Not ideal for large groups

3. Spreadsheet-based Jeopardy games

Some people build Jeopardy games using spreadsheets like Google Sheets or Excel.

This method allows for custom logic and automation if you are comfortable with formulas, but it can feel awkward during live play. Navigation between clues and tracking game state often requires extra setup.

Spreadsheet-based games are best suited for tinkerers who enjoy building their own systems.

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Free
• Centralized data

Cons

• Clunky live experience
• Not intuitive for players
• Still requires manual buzzing and score control

4. Online Jeopardy makers without buzzers

Many online tools allow you to quickly create a Jeopardy board without using slides.

These tools typically focus on fast setup and clean presentation. However, most still rely on hand-raising or verbal responses and require the host to manage scoring.

This option works well for classrooms or casual games where speed matters more than competitive accuracy.

Pros

• Faster setup than slides
• Clean, browser-based interface
• No file management

Cons

• Limited interactivity
• Manual scoring
• No real buzzer system

5. Modern interactive platforms with buzzers and scoring

Modern hosting platforms handle many of the hardest parts of running a Jeopardy game automatically.

These tools support live buzzers, automatic scoring, lockouts, and pacing controls. Players typically join from their phones, while the host controls the game from a central screen.

This approach works especially well for classrooms, game nights, and team-based events where fairness and energy matter.

Pros

• Built-in buzzers
• Automatic scoring
• Faster pacing
• Less host overhead

Cons

• Requires internet access
• Less DIY customization

Comparison of all five methods

Optional templates and resources

If you want to build a Jeopardy game manually, these free tools can help you get started:

• A basic Google Slides template for small groups
• A printable blank Jeopardy board for offline play

These options work well for one-off games or low-tech environments, but they require manual scorekeeping and turn management.

Making a Jeopardy game step by step

No matter which method you choose, the basic process is the same:

1. Decide on your categories
2. Write clues that increase in difficulty
3. Decide how players will answer and buzz in
4. Set clear rules before the game starts
5. Keep the pace moving

If you want the smoothest experience with the least setup, using a dedicated platform like Buzzinga is usually the fastest option.

Final thoughts

There is no single best way to make a Jeopardy game. The right method depends on your group size, setting, and how interactive you want the experience to be.

Slides and printables work for simple setups. Online tools speed things up. Interactive platforms remove much of the friction entirely. Choose the approach that lets you focus on what matters most: writing good clues and keeping the game fun.