Calcudoku for Kids (3×3)
A tiny 3 × 3 grid using only addition. Put 1, 2 and 3 in every row and column so each cage adds up to its clue.
How to play
- Fill the grid so every row and every column contains each number from 1 to 3 exactly once.
- The thick lines split the grid into cages. The small clue in the corner of each cage gives a target and an operation: the numbers in that cage must make the target using that operation.
- For − and ÷, start from the bigger number: a “2÷” cage could hold 3 and 6, in either order. A cage with no operation is just that number.
- Tap or click a square, then tap a number or type it. Turn on Notes to pencil in possibilities. Repeated numbers turn red, and so does a cage clue when its full cage misses the target.
What it practises
- Addition within 10
- Logical reasoning
- Checking an answer against a target
Level: Ages 6–8 (Grades 1–2)
Tips for Calcudoku for kids
Start with a cage that has only one square: its clue is the answer.
A two-square cage with a clue of 3 must be 1 and 2. A clue of 5 must be 2 and 3. Those are the only ways to make them.
Questions and answers
What is Calcudoku?
Calcudoku is a number puzzle that mixes Sudoku with arithmetic. Every row and column uses each number once, and groups of squares called cages must add, subtract, multiply or divide to a target. It’s also known as KenKen-style or MathDoku.
What age is 3×3 Calcudoku for?
Most children can try it at about age 6, once they can add small numbers. The kids’ version uses addition only, with totals no bigger than 9.
What comes after the 3×3 puzzle?
Move up to 4 × 4 Calcudoku, which adds subtraction, once the 3 × 3 puzzles feel easy.