Fill the grid so every row and column contains 1–N without repeats. Cells grouped into cages must combine to hit the target using the given operation.
Kenken (also spelled KenKen or Ken Ken) is a math-based logic puzzle invented by Japanese math teacher Tetsuya Miyamoto in 2004. Like Sudoku, you fill a square grid so every row and column contains the numbers 1 through N with no repeats. The twist: cells are grouped into outlined regions called cages, each labeled with a target number and an arithmetic operation. The numbers inside a cage must combine — using that operation — to reach the target.
1. Each row and column must contain every number from 1 to the grid size exactly once.
2. Every cage shows a target (e.g. "6+") in its top-left corner. The numbers in that cage must add, subtract, multiply, or divide to reach that target.
3. For subtraction and division cages, order doesn't matter — the larger value minus/divided by the smaller must equal the target.
4. Single-cell cages show just their value with no operation — fill them in directly.
Use pencil marks to note candidate values in cells you're unsure about. Use the hint button if you get stuck!
While both puzzles require filling a grid so each row and column contains unique numbers, Kenken adds a math layer. Cells are grouped into cages with a target number and arithmetic operation, making Kenken a fusion of logic and arithmetic that Sudoku doesn't have.
Kenken uses addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷). Beginner grids typically only use addition, while harder puzzles include all four. Single-cell cages show just their value with no operation.
Yes! Toggle pencil mark mode to enter candidate numbers into any cell. Pencil marks appear as small numbers in the cell corners and don't count as your final answer. They're a great tool for tracking possibilities, especially on larger grids.