KenKen Puzzles
Fill the grid so each row and column has no repeated numbers. Use the cage targets and operations as clues.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use KenKen Puzzles
- Choose your settings. Pick a grid size (3x3 for beginners up to 6x6 for a real challenge) and which operations to allow. "Addition only" is a good starting point for younger kids.
- Generate a puzzle. Click "New Puzzle" to create a fresh KenKen board. Each puzzle has exactly one solution.
- Read the cages. The grid is divided into groups of cells outlined with thick borders. Each group (called a "cage") shows a target number and an operation in its top-left corner. For example, "6+" means the numbers in that cage must add up to 6.
- Fill in the numbers. Click or tap an empty cell, then type a number or use the picker below the grid. Every row and every column must contain each number from 1 to N exactly once, where N is the grid size.
- Watch for red highlights. If you place a number that conflicts with another cell in the same row or column, both cells turn red. Fix the conflict before moving on.
- Complete the puzzle. When every cell is correctly filled, you will see a congratulations message. Try a larger grid or enable more operations for a tougher challenge.
Use the Print buttons to create a paper version. "Print with Solution" adds the completed grid on a second page for checking answers.
About KenKen Puzzles
KenKen is a math-based logic puzzle invented by Japanese math teacher Tetsuya Miyamoto. Like sudoku, the goal is to fill a grid so that no number repeats in any row or column. The twist is that cells are grouped into "cages," and each cage has a target number that must be reached using a specific arithmetic operation. A cage marked "12x" means the numbers inside must multiply to 12, while "3-" means one number minus the other equals 3.
KenKen builds arithmetic fluency alongside logical reasoning. Children practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts while developing deduction and elimination skills. The puzzles scale naturally: a 3x3 grid with addition is accessible for eight-year-olds, while a 6x6 grid with all four operations challenges middle-school students and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is KenKen designed for?
This tool is designed for ages 8 through 12. A 3x3 addition-only grid is a good starting point for eight-year-olds who know basic addition. Older kids and adults can increase the grid size and enable all four operations for a much tougher challenge.
How is KenKen different from sudoku?
Both puzzles require filling a grid with no repeated numbers in any row or column. Sudoku also has box regions and gives you some pre-filled numbers as clues. KenKen has no boxes. Instead, it groups cells into cages with a target number and an arithmetic operation. You must figure out which numbers satisfy both the cage constraint and the no-repeat rule. KenKen is more math-heavy, while sudoku is purely logic-based.
Does every puzzle have exactly one solution?
Yes. The generator creates a valid Latin square first, then divides it into cages. The cage targets and operations are computed directly from the solution, guaranteeing that the original grid is always a valid answer. While some cage configurations could theoretically allow multiple solutions, the combination of all cages together constrains the puzzle to one unique solution in practice.
Can I print the puzzles for classroom use?
Yes. Click "Print Puzzle" for a clean version with empty cells and cage outlines showing targets and operations. Click "Print with Solution" to get the puzzle on one page and the filled answer on the next. Generate as many different puzzles as you need by clicking "New Puzzle" each time.