Is KenKen similar to Sudoku?

KenKen shares the Latin square constraint with Sudoku (each number appears once per row and column), but adds arithmetic cage constraints. It combines number placement with math operations, making it a unique hybrid of logic and arithmetic.

Do I need to be good at math to solve KenKen?

Only basic arithmetic is needed. KenKen uses addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with small numbers. The challenge is logical deduction, not complex math.

What operations are used in KenKen cages?

KenKen cages use four operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷). Single-cell cages show the target number directly with no operation.

Can numbers repeat within a KenKen cage?

Numbers can repeat within a cage as long as they don't share the same row or column. This is a key difference from some other puzzle types.

KenKen Puzzles

Where arithmetic meets logical deduction

KenKen puzzles, also called Calcudoku, combine the Latin square logic of Sudoku with arithmetic cage constraints. Fill the grid so each row and column contains every number from 1 to N, while satisfying the math target in each cage. Featured in the New York Times, KenKen is amath logic puzzle that sharpens both your reasoning and number skills.

How to Solve KenKen Puzzles

Latin Square Rule

Each row and column must contain every number from 1 to N exactly once, where N is the grid size.

Cage Constraints

Each cage has a target number and operation. The numbers in the cage must produce the target using that operation.

Single-Cell Cages

A cage with one cell and no operation tells you exactly what number goes there - it is a free clue.

Candidate Lists

For each cage, list all number combinations that produce the target. Then eliminate based on row/column constraints.

Subtraction and Division

These operations only appear in 2-cell cages. The order of numbers does not matter - only the result does.

Progressive Difficulty

Start with 4x4 grids to learn the basics, then move to 6x6 and 9x9 for a real challenge.

Advanced KenKen Solving Techniques

Beyond basic cage arithmetic, advanced KenKen solvers use constraint propagation and cross-referencing to tackle larger grids efficiently.

Enumerate all valid combinations for each cage, then cross-reference with row/column constraints
Look for "naked pairs" - two cells in the same row/column that can only be two specific numbers
Use parity reasoning: in a subtraction cage, one number must be larger than the other
For multiplication cages, factor the target to find valid combinations quickly
Work on small cages first, as they have fewer possible combinations
When stuck, focus on rows or columns with the most filled cells

KenKen Puzzle FAQ

Is KenKen the same as Sudoku?

They share the Latin square rule, but KenKen adds arithmetic cages instead of pre-filled numbers. KenKen requires both logic and basic math.

Can numbers repeat in a cage?

Yes, as long as repeating numbers are not in the same row or column. This makes cage analysis more interesting.

What grid sizes are available?

We offer 4x4 (easy), 6x6 (medium), and 9x9 (hard) KenKen puzzles. Larger grids use numbers 1-9 and require more advanced strategies.

Ready to Crunch Some Numbers?

Test your arithmetic and logic skills with KenKen puzzles. From beginner 4x4 grids to challenging 9x9 puzzles, every solution is reachable through pure deduction.

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