Killer Sudoku
Cages must sum to the given total — no digit repeats within a cage
Killer Sudoku is fully playable. Choose a difficulty and start solving.
Dashed cages carve up the grid, each labelled with the total its cells must reach, and no value repeats inside a cage. There are usually no given digits at all — totals, cage shapes, and the 45-per-unit identity drive every deduction. The benchmark arithmetic variant: tough, fair, and addictive.
For the complete rules, worked examples and solving techniques, read the full How to Play Killer Sudoku guide.
Like all Sudoku variants, Killer Sudoku builds on the classic 9×9 foundation. Every row, column, and 3×3 box must contain each digit from 1 to 9 exactly once. The variant constraint is added on top of these standard rules, never replacing them.
If you're new to Sudoku, start by learning the basic rules and techniques before attempting variants.
Techniques Useful for This Variant
| Technique | How it applies |
|---|---|
| Pencil Marks / Notes | Essential for tracking candidates alongside the variant constraint |
| Obvious Singles | Cells narrowed to one candidate by the combined constraints |
| Hidden Singles | Digits with only one valid cell in a unit after variant elimination |
| Pairs and Triples | Locked candidates exposed by the additional constraint |