Futoshiki Online
In Futoshiki online you fill a grid with the numbers 1 to n so that no number repeats in a row or column and every less-than and greater-than sign holds. Each puzzle has exactly one solution, and a hint points to the right square.
Source: Wikipedia – Futoshiki. Updated: .
How it is calculated
Futoshiki (Japanese for "inequality") is a number puzzle that combines Sudoku with inequalities. You fill a square with the numbers 1 to n so that each number appears exactly once per row and column and the signs between squares hold. You never have to guess: every puzzle has exactly one solution.
The rules
- Every row and column contains each number from 1 to n exactly once (1 to 5 on a 5 × 5 grid).
- A "<" or ">" between two squares in a row shows which number is smaller; a "∧" or "∨" does the same for two squares one above the other.
- Some squares are given and cannot be changed.
Typical deductions
- Chain: if a < b < c in a line, a is at most n − 2 and c at least 3.
- Top or bottom value: a square that must be smaller than a neighbour cannot be the largest number n; one that must be larger cannot be 1.
- Only one place: if a number fits only one square in a row, it belongs there.
- Number already there: a number in a row or column is ruled out for all other squares there.
Hints and levels
"Hint" marks a square that follows by necessity and gives the reason. Size (4 × 4 to 7 × 7) and level decide how many signs and numbers are given: on "Hard" only as many remain as keep the solution unique.
Frequently asked questions
How does Futoshiki work?
You enter the numbers 1 to n in a grid so that no number repeats in a row or column and all less-than and greater-than signs between squares are true.
What do the signs between the squares mean?
"<" means the left square is smaller than the right one, ">" the opposite. For squares one above the other, "∧" or "∨" shows whether the upper square is smaller or larger than the lower one.
Do you have to guess in Futoshiki?
No. Every puzzle has exactly one solution that follows logically. The hint gives the reasoning if you get stuck.
How is it different from Sudoku?
Instead of boxes there are inequality signs. The row and column rule is the same, but the grid is smaller (4 × 4 to 7 × 7).
Is my progress saved?
No. The game runs entirely in your browser; nothing is stored or sent.
Sources and legal basis
As of: · Editorial policy
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