How to play sudoku
- The grid has 9 rows, 9 columns and nine 3×3 boxes.
- Fill every empty square with a number from 1 to 9.
- Each number may appear only once in each row, each column and each box.
- Start where a row, column or box is nearly full: the missing number is easy to spot.
- Use a pencil. If a number does not fit later, simply erase it.
Which level should I choose?
| Level | Clues given | What it takes | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very easy | 45–46 | Every empty square has only one possible number once you look along its row, column and box. | 10–15 min |
| Easy | 36–37 | Adds the “only place in this row” step: a number that can go in just one square of a row, column or box. | 15–25 min |
| Medium | 29–31 | Fewer clues, and you will need that second step often. Still no guessing. | 25–40 min |
Why large print sudoku?
Newspaper and puzzle-book sudoku squares are often only about a third of an inch wide, which makes the numbers hard to read and harder to write. Our one-per-page puzzles have squares 0.83 inches wide, numbers printed at 36 point and thick lines around every 3×3 box, so the boxes stand out at a glance. The two-per-page version is still larger than a typical newspaper grid.
Sudoku needs no general knowledge and no spelling, only patience and logic, which makes it a good daily puzzle for memory care groups, senior centers and anyone keeping their mind active. Many people find a very easy puzzle a calm way to start the morning.
For activity directors
Print the very easy set for a first session and work the first few squares together on a whiteboard. Once the group is comfortable, hand out the easy set. The answer key is at the back of every PDF, so volunteers can check work without solving the puzzles themselves.
Questions
Are these sudoku puzzles really easy?
The very easy puzzles have 45 or 46 of the 81 numbers filled in, and every empty square can be worked out directly from its row, column and box. Most beginners finish one in 10 to 15 minutes.
Is there only one correct answer?
Yes. Every puzzle is checked by computer to have exactly one solution, and the answer key at the back of the PDF is that solution.
Can I print copies for a group?
Yes. The puzzles are free for personal, classroom and non-commercial group use, such as senior centers, libraries and care homes.
More sudoku
Easy Sudoku Printable
Easy level · 1, 2 or 4 per page
SudokuPrintable Sudoku 4 Per Page
4 puzzles per sheet · Answer keys
SudokuBlank Sudoku Grids
1, 2, 4 or 6 per page · Extra large option
Prefer words? Try our large print crosswords and large print word searches.