Sudoku for kids
Kids’ sudoku uses smaller grids, so beginners can learn the idea quickly:
- 4×4 sudoku uses the digits 1–4. The grid has four 2×2 boxes.
- 6×6 sudoku uses the digits 1–6. The grid has six boxes of 2 rows × 3 columns.
Each row, each column and each box must contain every digit exactly once.
Difficulty for small grids
Small grids never need advanced techniques, so the levels combine the technique with the number of clues:
| Level | 4×4 | 6×6 |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Every move is “the last empty cell” in a row, column or box. | Only box-based singles, lots of clues. |
| Medium | Needs “only place for this number” thinking. | Box-based singles, fewer clues. |
| Hard | Same thinking, fewer clues. | Needs singles in rows and columns too. |
| Expert | The fewest clues possible (4). | Needs pairs or pointing. |
Tips for teachers and parents
- Print 4 or 6 puzzles per page as a quick worksheet, with the answer key on a separate page.
- Ask children to explain why a number must go in a cell. That reasoning is the real skill.
- Move up to 6×6 once 4×4 feels easy, then try classic 9×9 on Easy.