ArchiveHow to playPrintable sudokuAbout Sudoku
About easy puzzles
Easy puzzles start with 36–40 of the 81 squares filled in, and every one can be finished with the two simplest moves in sudoku: a square with only one possible digit (a naked single), or a digit with only one possible square in a row, column or box (a hidden single). If you are new to sudoku, start here.
Press New puzzle for another one at this level. Every puzzle has exactly one solution.
All five levels
| Level | Digits given | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 36–40 | Only naked and hidden singles |
| Medium | 28–34 | At least one pointing pair or box/line reduction; nothing harder |
| Hard | 24–32 | At least one naked or hidden pair or triple; nothing harder |
| Expert | 24–30 | One or two X-Wing or XY-Wing steps |
| Evil | 24–26 | A Swordfish, or three or more X-Wing / XY-Wing steps |
Questions
How easy is easy?
Every easy puzzle can be solved with singles only; our solver checks that before you see it. You never need notes or anything cleverer.
Do I need notes on easy puzzles?
Usually not. Scanning each box for the digits it is missing finds the next move almost every time. Notes help once you move up to medium.
What should I play next?
When easy puzzles feel quick, try medium. It adds one new idea, the pointing pair, explained on the how-to-play page.