Shikaku Puzzle Online Free
Divide the grid into rectangles. Each rectangle holds exactly one number, and that number is its area.
Drag across squares to draw a rectangle. Tap a rectangle to remove it.
What is Shikaku?
Shikaku is a logic puzzle where you divide a grid into rectangles. Each rectangle must contain exactly one number, and that number is its area: a 6 can be a 1 × 6, 2 × 3, 3 × 2 or 6 × 1 rectangle. When every square belongs to a rectangle, the puzzle is solved.
The name comes from the Japanese for “divide by squares”, and the puzzle was published by Nikoli. Because every clue is an area, Shikaku quietly practises factor pairs and multiplication, the same facts as the missing factor game. It’s the easiest of the logic puzzles here to learn.
How to play Shikaku Puzzle
- Split the whole grid into rectangles (squares count too).
- Each rectangle must contain exactly one number, and the number tells you how many squares it covers.
- Drag from one corner to the opposite corner to draw a rectangle. Drawing over other rectangles replaces them, and tapping a rectangle removes it.
- A rectangle with the wrong area or more than one number turns red. Every puzzle is made fresh and checked to have exactly one solution, so it can always be solved by logic without guessing. Use Hint if you’re stuck, and pick a size at the top of the board.
Shikaku Puzzle skills
- Area of rectangles
- Factor pairs (12 = 3 × 4 = 2 × 6)
- Spatial reasoning
Level: Ages 7 and up
Tips for Shikaku
Think in factor pairs. A 6 can be 1 × 6, 2 × 3, 3 × 2 or 6 × 1. A prime number like 5 or 7 must be a straight line.
Start with big numbers in tight spaces, or numbers near corners. They often have only one rectangle that fits.
A square that only one number can reach must belong to that number.
Shikaku Puzzle questions and answers
What is Shikaku?
Shikaku (“divide by squares” in Japanese) is a Nikoli puzzle where you split a grid into rectangles. Each rectangle holds exactly one number equal to its area.
Is Shikaku a math puzzle?
Yes. Every number is an area question in reverse: which rectangles cover 12 squares? It’s good practice with multiplication, factor pairs and area.
Can a rectangle be a square?
Yes. A 4 could be a 2 × 2 square, and a 9 could be 3 × 3.