Read and group a Karnaugh map
A Karnaugh map turns a truth table into a visual layout for Boolean simplification. Learn the cell order, place minterms correctly, and form groups that remove changing variables.
Understand cell order
Karnaugh maps use Gray-code order, so neighboring cells differ in one variable even when they appear at an edge. Learn the row and column labels before placing any 1s or don’t-care values.
Make valid groups
Groups contain 1, 2, 4, 8, or another power of two cells. Groups may wrap across an edge, must stay rectangular, and should be as large as the map allows.
Write the result
Keep only variables that remain constant inside each group. Combine the resulting product terms with OR to form a simplified sum-of-products expression, then check it against the original truth table.
Clear answers before the next step
Can a group cross the map edge?
Yes. The left and right edges are adjacent, and the top and bottom edges are adjacent.
How large should a group be?
Use the largest valid power-of-two group that improves the expression, while covering every required 1.