The NYT Mini offers users a small and quick format of the New York Times world-famous crossword puzzles. On most daily installations, the Mini presents its clues within a five-by-five grid in three to five directions while occasionally extending its dimensions during Saturday's release.

Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays. Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app.