Easy
Short runs with very few valid combinations. Most moves are forced from the start — ideal for learning the sum–elimination loop.
Free · No account · Browser play
Kakuro Puzzle Game
Kakuro is a number-logic puzzle built on a crossword-style grid. Fill each run of white cells with digits 1–9 so they sum to the clue in the adjacent black cell — without repeating any digit in the same run. It is part arithmetic, part elimination, and entirely satisfying when the grid locks into place.
Free Kakuro runs entirely in your browser. No download, no sign-up, and no timer pressure unless you want it. Pick a difficulty below or jump straight into the game.
How the Kakuro puzzle game works
The grid is made up of black cells and white cells. Black cells with numbers in their lower-left or upper-right triangle are clue cells. The number in the lower-left sets the sum for the white run going downward; the upper-right sets the sum for the run going across.
Your job is to fill every white cell with a digit from 1 to 9 so that:
- Each run sums exactly to its clue number.
- No digit repeats within the same run (like Sudoku's no-repeat rule, but scoped to the run, not the whole row or column).
Most moves follow from logic alone. Start by looking for runs where the sum forces a unique combination — for example, a 2-cell run summing to 3 can only be 2. Then use the intersections between across and down runs to narrow candidates further.
The combination reference lists every valid digit set for each sum and length, so you never have to enumerate them by hand. The technique library shows the next-level strategies for when basic elimination runs out.
Choose your difficulty
Medium
Longer runs and more intersections. Candidate pruning becomes essential. A good step up once easy moves feel automatic.
Hard
Dense grids with heavy run overlap. You will need cross-run intersection logic and residual-sum reasoning to make progress.
Ultra Hard
Maximum density and run length. Every constraint matters and forced moves are sparse. For experienced solvers only.
What is in the game
⚡
Instant start
Open the game and a fresh puzzle loads immediately — no account, no app install, no paywall.
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Candidate notes
Toggle a 3×3 digit matrix in any white cell to track which values are still possible in that position.
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Smart hints
Request a hint at any point. The engine highlights the most useful cell and explains why that digit is forced.
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Combination reference
Built-in lookup for every sum–length pair so you never have to enumerate possibilities by hand.
▶️
Auto play
Advances through all currently forced moves in one step — useful for confirming your setup before tackling the hard cells.
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Mobile ready
Plays on phone and tablet. Number pad, candidates, and hints all work on touch screens.
Kakuro vs. Sudoku — what is the difference?
Both puzzles use a no-repeat placement rule, but their logic feels different in practice. Sudoku constrains rows, columns, and boxes — you eliminate by position across a fixed 9×9 structure. Kakuro adds sum constraints: before you can eliminate by position, you must first figure out which digits could even appear in a run given its total and length.
That extra arithmetic layer makes Kakuro feel closer to a logic puzzle with embedded math than to a pure placement game. Players who enjoy both often say Kakuro requires more deliberate candidate-tracking and rewards pre-planning more heavily.
If you are new to both, start with easy Kakuro — short runs keep the combination space small and the logic clear. If you want an equivalent deduction challenge without the arithmetic, try RueDoku for free online Sudoku.
Where to start
First time playing: Read the Kakuro rules (5 min), then open an easy puzzle. The forced-move pattern will become obvious quickly.
Know the basics: Skip to medium difficulty and use the combination chart to speed up candidate setup.
Experienced solver: Jump into hard or ultra hard. Use the technique library when you want to refine your approach.
Stuck on a clue: The Kakuro helper calculator lists all valid digit combinations for any sum and run length instantly.
Want printable puzzles: See the printable Kakuro guide — browser print works well for paper solving.
Kakuro puzzle game FAQ
- What is a Kakuro puzzle game?
- Kakuro is a number-logic puzzle on a crossword-style grid. Each run of white cells must sum to the black-cell clue, and digits 1–9 cannot repeat within a run. Solving it is pure deduction — no guessing needed.
- Is the Kakuro game really free?
- Yes. Free Kakuro is a browser game with no ads, no sign-up, and no paid tiers. You can generate new puzzles at any difficulty as often as you like.
- Can I play Kakuro online on my phone?
- Yes. The game is responsive and works on iOS and Android browsers. The on-screen number pad and candidate overlay are optimized for touch input.
- How many puzzle boards are there?
- The generator creates a new board each time you start a game, so the supply is effectively unlimited. Each puzzle is procedurally built and verified to have a unique logical solution.
- Is there a daily Kakuro puzzle?
- Yes. Free Kakuro generates a fresh puzzle every time you press New Game, so you always have something new to solve. Visit the daily Kakuro page to pick a difficulty and start your daily session.