Make Your Own 4x4 Sudoku for Kids
Make a 4x4 Sudoku for a friend. Fill a whole answer grid first, keep only some numbers as clues, then solve it yourself to check that it has just one answer.
Make your puzzle in four steps
- Fill the answer grid with 1-4 in pencil. Check that every row, column and 2x2 box has each number once.
- Copy some of those numbers into the puzzle grid as clues. Start with about eight.
- Cover the answer grid and solve your puzzle using only the clues.
- If you ever have to choose between two numbers, copy one more clue across and try again.
See why step 4 matters
| 1 | 4 | ||
| 4 | 1 | ||
| 1 | 4 | ||
| 4 | 1 |
Eight clues, but only 1s and 4s. Every 2 could be a 3 and every 3 a 2, so this puzzle has two answers.
| 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| 4 | 1 | ||
| 1 | 4 | ||
| 4 | 1 |
Add a 2 at row 1, column 2. Now each empty square can be filled one at a time, so there is just one answer.
This made-up example is not from a published puzzle.
My 4x4 Sudoku puzzle
Made by:
Fold along the dashed line so the answer grid stays behind the page.
Private answer grid
Test it with a friend
Ask your friend to solve the puzzle without peeking. When they finish, unfold the answer grid and compare. If their grid is different but still follows every rule, your puzzle had two answers, so add a clue next time.
Want to explain a move? Use the 4x4 Sudoku reasoning chart. New to the rules? Read the beginner guide, try the 4x4 Sudoku puzzles, or browse the Sudoku archive.