Why start small?
A 4×4 grid shares the same constraints as the classic 9×9 board: each row, column, and sub-block must contain unique digits. Practicing on a gentle grid helps you feel the patterns, then you can scale up to larger boards quickly.
Sudoku Lab
Master Sudoku with guided puzzles
From mini 4×4 grids that teach the rules to bigger 6×6 layouts and solving strategies, this hub keeps the logic tidy.
Sample 6×6 puzzle
| 1 | 4 | 6 | |||
| 5 | 4 | 2 | |||
| 2 | 1 | 5 | |||
| 6 | 3 | 5 | |||
| 3 | 2 | ||||
| 2 | 5 | 1 |
Split into 3×2 blocks, each digit 1–6 belongs once per row/column.
Solving strategies
Scanning
Look across each row and column to eliminate values using existing digits; then fill the only remaining slot.
Sub-grid focus
Observe each 2×2 or 2×3 block—if three digits are filled, the remaining cell is determined.
Pencil markings
Use mental notes (or light marks) to track possible entries and remove options once a peer row decides the value.
Extend the lab
The Sudoku section ties into the interactive board and dozens more puzzles in the catalog. Pick a new layout, try a timed solve, or submit your own number grid for the community to crack.
- 4×4 grids for quick warm-ups
- 6×6 and 8×8 boards for larger sums
- Logical deduction guides for the deepest patterns
Sudoku gallery
Try these grids on paper or replicate them in your own solver. Each puzzle includes a small hint describing the solving focus.
6×6 starter
| 1 | 6 | 2 | |||
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 1 | ||
| 5 | 2 | ||||
| 4 | 6 | 1 | |||
| 6 | 3 | 5 |
Rows and columns still obey 1–6, and each 3×2 block is your focus for the missing digits.
Hint: Scan row 1 and column 2 to pin down the remaining 3 and 5.
6×6 advanced
| 2 | 6 | 4 | |||
| 3 | 5 | ||||
| 4 | 1 | 6 | |||
| 5 | 2 | ||||
| 6 | 1 | ||||
| 4 | 3 | 2 |
Column interactions drive this one—each digit appears once per column, so narrowing column candidates is key.
Hint: Only one column can contain 1 in rows 1–3; eliminate accordingly.
9×9 classic
| 5 | 3 | 7 | ||||||
| 6 | 1 | 9 | 5 | |||||
| 9 | 8 | 6 | ||||||
| 8 | 6 | 3 | ||||||
| 4 | 8 | 3 | 1 | |||||
| 7 | 2 | 6 | ||||||
| 6 | 2 | 8 | ||||||
| 4 | 1 | 9 | 5 | |||||
| 8 | 7 | 9 |
Classic beginner board: fill 3×3 boxes and use the center row to knock out remaining digits.
Hint: The upper-left box already has 5 numbers; the missing digits go in the remaining two cells.