How to Play Shape Sudoku for Kids
Shape Sudoku follows the same 4x4 rules as number Sudoku: put each of four different symbols once in every row, column and thick-outlined 2-by-2 box. No adding, reading numbers or naming colors is needed. Compare the outlines instead.
Four symbols, four numbers
For this original example only, these symbols stand for the numbers 1 through 4:
| Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | circle | square | triangle | diamond |
Real printable puzzles use their own colored symbols; match each distinct symbol within that puzzle. This practice grid is not a published puzzle or its answer key.
Which shape is missing?
Ask a child to point to row 3, column 3 before showing the completed grid.
| ● | ■ | ▲ | ◆ |
| ▲ | ◆ | ● | ■ |
| ■ | ● | ? | ▲ |
| ◆ | ▲ | ■ | ● |
| ● | ■ | ▲ | ◆ |
| ▲ | ◆ | ● | ■ |
| ■ | ● | ◆ | ▲ |
| ◆ | ▲ | ■ | ● |
Row 3 contains triangle, circle and square, so it needs a diamond. Column 3 contains triangle, circle and square too. Its bottom-right box contains triangle, square and circle. The diamond fits all three places.
A short routine for adults
- Point to the four different symbols in this guide. Let the child match identical outlines without saying their names.
- Cover the completed grid and ask, “Which one have you not seen in this row?”
- Point down the column and around the thick box to check that the chosen symbol does not repeat.
Ready to play? Try Easy 4x4 Shape Sudoku 1, browse 4x4 puzzles, or return to all Sudoku puzzles. A 6x6 shape puzzle has six symbols and 2-by-3 boxes; a 9x9 has nine symbols and 3-by-3 boxes. In either size, each symbol still appears once per row, column and box.