Play Calcudoku Online Free

Calcudoku is a Sudoku-style math logic puzzle built around cages, target numbers, and arithmetic operations. Fill the grid with numbers so every row and column contains each number once, while every cage matches its target result. Play free, no sign-up required.

How to Play Calcudoku (60-second guide)

Calcudoku is played on a square grid divided into outlined cages. Each cage has a target number and usually an operation such as +, −, ×, or ÷. Your goal is to fill the grid with numbers from 1 to the grid size while satisfying both the row-column rules and the cage clues.

• Each row must contain every number once
• Each column must contain every number once
• Each cage must equal its target number using the shown operation
• A one-cell cage is already fixed to its target number
• Start with cages that have only one possible number combination

Keep Playing

• New Game Anytime — start a fresh Calcudoku puzzle whenever you want
• Your Progress — track solved puzzles and improve your completion time
• Save & Continue Later — your puzzle progress is saved automatically in your browser
• Choose Your Difficulty — play Easy, Medium, Hard, or Expert Calcudoku puzzles
• Use Hints When Stuck — get a helpful nudge without revealing the full solution

Choose Your Difficulty

• Easy Calcudoku — beginner-friendly cages and simple arithmetic
• Medium Calcudoku — balanced puzzles with more candidate checking
• Hard Calcudoku — tighter cages, fewer obvious moves, and deeper deduction
• Expert Calcudoku — advanced puzzles for experienced logic solvers

What Is Calcudoku?

Calcudoku is a number-placement puzzle that combines Latin-square logic with arithmetic cage clues. Like Sudoku, every row and column must contain each number exactly once. Unlike Sudoku, there are no 3×3 boxes. Instead, the grid is divided into cages, and each cage gives you a target result that must be reached using the indicated operation.

For example, a two-cell cage marked “5+” must contain two numbers that add up to 5. A cage marked “12×” must contain numbers that multiply to 12. The puzzle is solved by combining arithmetic possibilities with row and column restrictions until every cell has only one valid number.

Characteristics of Calcudoku

• Grid layout: square grid divided into outlined cages
• Number pool: numbers from 1 to the grid size
• Main rule: no number repeats in any row or column
• Cage clues: target numbers with arithmetic operations such as +, −, ×, or ÷
• Unique solution: every valid puzzle has exactly one solution
• Typical solve time: 3–7 min on Easy, 25+ min on Expert
• Best for: players who enjoy Sudoku logic with arithmetic-based deduction

Solving Strategies for Calcudoku

Strategy 1: Start with One-Cell and Small Cages

A one-cell cage gives you the exact number immediately. Two-cell cages are also useful because many targets have only a few possible combinations. These early placements can quickly unlock rows and columns.

Strategy 2: List Possible Cage Combinations

For each cage, think through which numbers can create the target result. A “3+” cage in a 4×4 puzzle can only use 1 and 2. A “12×” cage may have several options, but row and column rules will remove some of them.

Strategy 3: Cross-Check Cages with Rows and Columns

A number that works inside a cage may still be impossible if it repeats in the same row or column. Always check both the arithmetic clue and the grid logic before placing a number.

Related Logic Puzzles

If you enjoy Calcudoku's mix of arithmetic and Sudoku-style deduction, these puzzles use similar logic skills with a different twist:

• Sudoku — the classic number-placement puzzle with rows, columns, and 3×3 boxes.
• Kakuro — a crossword-style number puzzle built around sum clues.
• Futoshiki — uses row and column uniqueness with greater-than and less-than clues.
• Killer Sudoku — combines Sudoku boxes with cage sum logic.
• Skyscrapers — a Latin-square puzzle where edge clues depend on visible building heights.