Free printable · Ages 5–10
Sudoku rules for kids, printable
A one-page rules sheet for children, plus practice 4×4 and 6×6 boards. Designed for the classroom, the kitchen table, or a rainy afternoon.
Tip: press Cmd/Ctrl + P to print this rules page directly.
The three rules — the whole game
Sudoku has just three rules. A child can learn them in three minutes, and they never change — the same three rules work on 4×4, 6×6, 9×9 and every other Sudoku variant.
Rule 1
Every row
Uses each number once, with no repeats.
Rule 2
Every column
Uses each number once, with no repeats.
Rule 3
Every box
Uses each number once, with no repeats.
Start with 4×4 (ages 5–7)
A 4×4 Sudoku uses only the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Every row, every column and every 2×2 box must contain each number exactly once. It's the perfect first board — small enough to feel achievable, big enough to teach the real rules.
Example · 4×4 · ages 5–7
Numbers 1–4 · four 2×2 boxes
Move up to 6×6 (ages 7–10)
Once a child confidently finishes 4×4 boards without help, the next step is 6×6. It uses the numbers 1–6 in 2×3 boxes. The rules are exactly the same — only the grid is bigger.
Example · 6×6 · ages 7–10
Numbers 1–6 · six 2×3 boxes
How to teach a child in three minutes
- Show the grid. Point out the rows, columns and boxes.
- State the goal. "We need to fill every empty square with a number from 1 to 4."
- Explain the three rules in the boxes above. Use your finger.
- Do one square together. Let them find the answer — resist pointing.
- Let them finish alone. Sit near, don't hover.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Don't point at the answer. The first "aha" is the whole point — protect it.
- Praise the reasoning, not the speed. "How did you know?" beats "Well done!".
- End on a win. Stop after one finished board, not after frustration.
- Print the PDF pack for a whole week of pen-and-paper practice — get the 6×6 Kids booklet.
- When 6×6 is easy, move on to Easy 9×9. Same rules, bigger grid.