Preparing your puzzle…

How to play Sudoku

Solve a number puzzle at your own pace with notes, hints, and undo. Choose a small practice grid, a classic 9×9 board, or a larger 16×16 challenge.

  1. In classic 9×9 Sudoku, fill every row, column, and 3×3 box with the numbers 1 through 9, without repeats.
  2. Select an empty cell, then choose a number. Given numbers are fixed clues and cannot be changed.
  3. Turn on Notes to record candidates. Compare the row, column, and box before committing to a value.

A tip for your next game

Look for a row, column, or box with only one missing number. Then look for a number that has only one possible position in a box. Smaller 4×4 and 6×6 boards are useful for practicing this elimination process.

Common questions

When does the daily Sudoku change?

A new daily puzzle begins at 00:00 UTC. An unfinished puzzle retains its original date, so finishing yesterday’s board does not complete today’s challenge.

Are puzzles uniquely solvable?

New puzzles have exactly one solution, including 16×16. Easy puzzles can be solved using single-candidate placements. Other levels aim for fewer clues; their technique difficulty can vary.

Which sizes and difficulty levels can I play?

Choose 4×4, 6×6, 9×9, or 16×16. The 4×4 boards offer Easy and Medium; 6×6 adds Hard; 9×9 and 16×16 also offer Expert.