6x6 Sudoku — Play Free Online
How to play 6x6 Sudoku
What is 6x6 Sudoku?
6x6 Sudoku is played on a six-by-six grid using the digits 1–6. Every row, every column, and every 2×3 box must contain each digit exactly once. The rules are identical to classic Sudoku — only the size changes. With 36 cells instead of 81, a puzzle takes a few minutes rather than half an hour, which makes the 6×6 grid the natural middle step between 4×4 Mini Sudoku and the full 9×9 game.
The one thing that trips up newcomers is the box shape: unlike the square boxes of 4×4 and 9×9 grids, a 6×6 box is a rectangle — two rows tall, three columns wide. The thick lines after row 2, row 4, and column 3 mark the six boxes. Once your eye adjusts, every technique you know transfers: scanning, elimination, and obvious singles solve the vast majority of 6×6 puzzles.
Teachers and parents love this size for the same reason players do: it is big enough to require real deduction but small enough to finish without frustration. If you are introducing a child to the game, see our Sudoku for Kids guide for a recommended progression. And when hard 6×6 puzzles start to feel routine, you are ready for 9×9 — start with an easy puzzle.
At a Glance
| Grid size | 6×6 — 36 cells |
| Digits used | 1–6 |
| Box shape | 2 rows × 3 columns (six boxes) |
| Givens — Easy / Medium / Hard | ~22 / ~18 / ~14 |
| Typical solve time | 2–7 min |