Futoshiki
Fill the grid — and respect every < and > sign.
About Futoshiki
Futoshiki — Japanese for "inequality" — combines a Latin square with a handful of < and > signs. It's quick to learn, and every puzzle here has exactly one solution you can reach by logic alone.
How to play
Fill every row and column with the digits 1 to the grid size, each exactly once. The < and > signs between cells must hold: the tip always points at the smaller digit.
Tips and strategies
- A cell with a sign pointing at it can't hold the largest digit; one with a sign pointing away can't hold 1.
- Chains of signs (a < b < c) push digits to the edges of their range.
- Use notes to track candidates, just like in Sudoku.
Futoshiki strategy guide
Chains of signs fix the ends. In a chain a < b < c, a can be at most n − 2 and c at least 3; the longer the chain, the fewer digits each of its cells can take.
The largest digit can never sit on the small side of a sign, and 1 can never sit on the big side. Cross these out first: in many rows and columns they leave n or 1 a single possible cell.
Combine the signs with the Latin rule. When a row has two empty cells and two missing digits, a sign between them — or with a neighbour above or below — tells you which digit goes where.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Futoshiki?
Fill an n×n grid so every row and every column holds the digits 1 to n once. Every < or > sign between two neighbouring cells must be true, and a few digits are already given.
Which sizes can I play?
4×4, 5×5, 6×6 and 7×7. The daily challenge is 5×5. Larger grids give one to four digits and rely mostly on the signs.
Does every Futoshiki have a unique solution?
Yes. The generator adds inequality signs one at a time, each ruling out a rival solution, until only one solution is left — then drops any sign that is no longer needed.
Is Futoshiki free to play?
Yes. Every game on Puzzimo is completely free and runs in your browser on desktop, tablet and phone — no download or installation.
Do I need an account?
No. You can play instantly as a guest and still appear on the leaderboards. Sign in with Google, Discord or LINE to keep your scores on every device.
How does the daily Futoshiki challenge work?
Every day at 00:00 UTC everyone gets the same new puzzle. Only your first finish of the day counts on the leaderboard.
How are leaderboard results verified?
Our servers replay every move of your game and measure the time themselves, so leaderboard results can't be faked.