How the test works
- The 4×4 grid is split into 2×2 boxes. Some squares already have numbers.
- Fill every empty square so each row, each column and each box has the numbers 1 to 4 exactly once.
- Pick a square, then a number (or type it). A number that clashes with another in the same row, column or box turns red. Turn on Notes to pencil in options.
- Stuck? A hint fills in a square but adds 10 seconds. Your score is your time in seconds, hints included. Lower is better.
What it measures
Sudoku is a logic puzzle: no maths, only reasoning about where each number can go. It trains working memory, concentration and step-by-step problem solving. Every puzzle here is new, has exactly one answer and can be solved by logic alone, without guessing. The 4×4 board is a gentle start for young children.
Sudoku for young children
A 4×4 Sudoku uses only the numbers 1 to 4 and four small boxes, so a child can see the whole puzzle at once. Many children of five or six can solve one after watching a single example, and it's a gentle introduction to the idea that every row, column and box needs each number once.
A simple way to start: find a row with three numbers filled in. The missing number is the only one left, so it must go in the empty square. Repeat that with columns and boxes until the grid is full.
Ready for the next step?
When the 4×4 puzzle takes less than a minute, try the 6×6 board. It uses the same rules with a few more numbers, so it's a small step up rather than a jump to the full 9×9 game.
What is a good score?
| Score | Faster than about |
|---|---|
| 14 s | 99% of people (top 1%) |
| 22 s | 90% of people (top 10%) |
| 30 s | 75% of people |
| 40 s | 50% of people (average) |
| 54 s | 25% of people |
Estimated from typical scores for this kind of test.
Tips to improve
- Look for a square that only one number can fill, or a number that fits in only one square of a row, column or box.
- Start with the rows, columns and boxes that are nearly full.
- Use Notes for squares with two or three options, and clear them as you go.
- Need a break? Pause stops the clock and hides the board until you come back.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good time for a 4×4 Sudoku?
About 40 seconds is typical for these puzzles. Under 22 seconds puts you in roughly the top 10%, and under 16 seconds is in the top 2-3%. Each hint adds 10 seconds.
Which size should I play?
4×4 suits young children and first-timers, 6×6 is a good next step, and 9×9 is the classic Sudoku.
Do I need to be good at maths for Sudoku?
No. The numbers are just symbols; you could play with letters or colours. Sudoku is about logic: working out which number can go where.