Learn everything you need to know about How to Cut a Watermelon with these easy tips and tricks! This foolproof method is one I use every summer to get the best cubes, sticks, and triangles from a watermelon of any size. You’ll never cut a watermelon another way after learning this simple method!

Slices of watermelon are placed in front of two bowls of watermelon chunks.


How to Cut a Watermelon

Isn’t it crazy that a grocery store can sell a cup of watermelon chunks for so much more than a whole watermelon? Save some money next time you’re craving your favorite melon by cutting it up yourself! Don’t let the size of a watermelon scare you off. It can be daunting the first time you slice into a watermelon, wondering where the heck to start. I’m here to help!

No matter what kind of pieces you want (slices, sticks, triangles) it all starts with cutting the watermelon in half lengthwise. After that, I have plenty of tips and tricks to help you get the perfect pieces with minimal mess! You’ll be surprised at how many pieces you can get from a single melon! Trust me, you’ll never overpay for a cup of chopped watermelon again.

Next time you have a backyard barbecue, pool party, or picnic, you’ll be prepared to chop a big or small watermelon for all of your friends! I also like chopping up a watermelon and keeping the pieces in my fridge just so I can grab a snack from the fridge whenever I’m craving a little something sweet. I also love using it in recipes like Watermelon Feta Salad!

A watermelon is being sliced on a cutting board.

How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes

  1. Cut it into quarters. Start off by cutting your watermelon in half lengthwise. After that, cut each half in half. The goal is to make 4 quarters of the watermelon.
  2. Make your first slices. Take one of the quarters and make cuts from the top part of the melon all the way down to the rind. Make 1 inch slices from one side of the melon to the other side.
  3. Make a crosshatch pattern. Slice 1 inch strips down the length of the melon. This step is to make a crosshatch pattern on each quarter of the watermelon.
  4. Cut the rind. After the cuts are made, start from one edge of the melon and cut along the rind. The cubes should fall out of the rind pretty easily!

How to Cut a Watermelon into Sticks

  1. Cut it in half twice. Start by cutting your watermelon in half lengthwise. Then, flip the melon over after halving it so that the cut surface is face down on the cutting board.
  2. Cut it into a square. With half of the watermelon upside down on the cutting board, cut off the four edges to create a square. Slice it the lengthwise about 1″ apart. 
  3. Cut the sticks. Once you have cut the entire melon lengthwise, cross cut it every 1″. These sticks are easier to eat and make way less of a mess.

How to Cut a Watermelon into Triangles

  1. Cut it in half. Cut your watermelon in half lengthwise. Once cut, flip the watermelon over so that the flat surface is facing down on the cutting board.
  2. Cut it into quarters, then eighths. After placing half of the watermelon face down on the cutting board, cut the half one more time into quarters lengthwise. Then cut those quarters down the middle lengthwise into eighths.
  3. Crosscut the watermelon. Finally, crosscut the watermelon about 1″ apart until you have cut the entire melon.
A stick of watermelon is being lifted from the cut melon.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Cuts

  • Use a sharp knife. This is SO important. A dull knife will be so hard to work with, and possibly dangerous! You don’t want to accidentally cut yourself from straining to slice into the melon. Get the best cuts every time by using a good quality sharp knife.
  • Try to get evenly sized pieces. This is the whole point, right? Get the very best slices every time when you take your time and really make sure your cuts are all about the same size.
  • Don’t rush. Be patient. If you try to rush the process (especially the first time), you run the risk of messing up your cuts and/or cutting yourself. Take your time and enjoy the easy steps!
Triangular slices of watermelon are placed on a plate.

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Slices of watermelon are placed in front of two bowls of watermelon chunks.

Get the Recipe: How to Cut a Watermelon

The best ways to cut a watermelon for salads, serving and snacking! Save money by cutting and storing your watermelon at home instead of buying cut watermelon at the store.
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Ingredients

  • 1 seedless watermelon

Equipment

  • 1 sharp knife

Instructions 

How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes:

  • Cut your watermelon in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half to make 4 quarters of watermelon.
  • Take one of the quarters and make cuts from the top part of the melon all the way down to the rind. Make 1 inch slices from one side of the melon to the other side.
  • Take your knife and slice 1 inch strips down the length of the melon. (You are essentially making a crosshatch pattern on each quarter of the watermelon.
  • After the cuts are made, start from one edge of the melon and cut along the rind. The cubes should fall out of the rind really easily!

How to Cut a Watermelon into Sticks:

  • Cut your watermelon in half lengthwise. Then, flip the watermelon over after cutting it in half so that the cut surface is facing down on the cutting board.
  • With half of the watermelon upside down on the cutting board, cut off the four edges to create a square. Then slice it the lengthwise about 1″ apart.
  • Once you have cut the entire melon lengthwise, cross cut it every 1″. These sticks are easier to eat and much less messy.

How to Cut a Watermelon into Triangles:

  • Cut your watermelon in half lengthwise. Then, flip the watermelon over after cutting it in half so that the flat surface is facing down on the cutting board.
  • After placing half of the watermelon face down on the cutting board, cut the half one more time into quarters lengthwise. Then cut those quarters down the middle lengthwise into eighths.
  • Next crosscut the watermelon about 1″ apart until you have cut the entire melon.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Cut watermelon will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Calories: 113kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 420mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 2134IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg