Printable futoshiki
Futoshiki grids in PDF, from 4 × 4 to get started to 7 × 7 for regulars. Futoshiki, also known as “unequal” or “more or less”, is a Japanese logic puzzle: every row and every column holds each digit exactly once, and the < and > signs placed between some cells tell which of the two holds the larger digit. Every grid has a single solution, found by deduction; the solutions are on the last pages.
How it works
Pick the size and the difficulty
The size sets the digits to place: 1 to 4 in a 4 × 4 grid, 1 to 7 in a 7 × 7. The difficulty changes the number of clues, not the rule. The preview follows every setting.
Set up the booklet
Choose the number of grids, A4 or Letter paper, and whether solutions are added. A page holds six grids in 4 × 4 and 5 × 5, four grids in 6 × 6 and 7 × 7, with cells over 8 mm wide to write in pencil.
Print and play
Start with the signs: a cell smaller than its neighbour cannot hold the largest digit, and a cell larger than its neighbour cannot hold the 1. Three cells in increasing order in a 4 × 4 grid leave only two choices for each. Finish with the rule of rows and columns.
Printing tips
Choose “Actual size” or “100%” in the print dialog, not “Fit to page”, to keep comfortable cells. Black and white is enough. Play in pencil: writing the digits still possible in small helps a lot on the larger grids. In the classroom, futoshiki practises comparing numbers and reading the < and > signs: easy 4 × 4 grids suit children from age 7 or 8, alone or in pairs. Print the solution pages on a separate sheet for the adult, or pin them up so everyone can check their own work. All the grids of a PDF are different, and “Another set” prepares more for the next session.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of futoshiki?
Fill the grid with the digits from 1 up to the size of the grid: 1 to 5 in a 5 × 5 grid. Each digit appears exactly once in every row and once in every column. The signs placed between two neighbouring cells must hold: the tip of the sign always points to the smaller of the two digits.
How do I read a sign between two cells placed one above the other?
Like the < and > signs, turned a quarter of a turn: the tip shows the cell with the smaller digit, the open side the cell with the larger one. A tip pointing up means the upper cell is smaller than the lower one; a tip pointing down means the opposite.
Does each grid have a single solution?
Yes. Every grid is checked before layout: exactly one solution exists, and it is found by deduction, never by guessing.
How is it different from sudoku?
As in sudoku, a digit never repeats in a row or a column, but there are no boxes. Instead, the inequality signs carry the information, and hard grids start with very few digits, sometimes none at all.
Which size should I start with?
An easy 4 × 4 grid: it takes a few minutes and already shows every useful line of reasoning. Then move on to 5 × 5, and raise the difficulty before raising the size.
Can I use them in class or in a club?
Yes, freely, including printing them in quantity. Only reselling the files is not allowed.
Are my settings saved?
On your device only, so you get the same size and difficulty next time. Nothing is sent to a server.