Mini Sudoku: 4 by 4 and 6 by 6

Learn the same constraints on a smaller grid.

Rules

For 4 by 4 Sudoku, use digits 1 through 4 once per row, column and 2 by 2 box. For a common 6 by 6 format, use 1 through 6 with six boxes of 2 rows by 3 columns. Check the printed box boundaries; some puzzles use the rotated 3 by 2 shape.

A visual example

Mini Sudoku: 4 by 4 and 6 by 6 example diagram — The diagram is a completed 4 by 4 example. Each row, column and outlined box contains 1, 2, 3 and 4 once. If the 2 in the top row were erased, it would be that row's only missing digit.

How to start

Start by naming the digit range and box shape, then scan for one empty cell in a unit. Smaller grids let you practice explaining a forced move without maintaining 81 cells of notes. Increase the size when the rules feel familiar rather than choosing only by age.

A mistake to avoid

Do not use 1 through 9 in a smaller puzzle. The allowed digit range matches the specified format. Our standard printable packs contain 9 by 9 puzzles; this page is a guide, not a mini-puzzle generator.

Keep learning

Review the standard rules and worked solving techniques. Our daily game and printable packs use standard Sudoku rules; they do not play this variant.