In a row, a filled cell counts its column number. In a column, it counts its row number. Your job is to fill cells so every row and every column adds up to the target shown at its end.
Kakurasu rules in 30 seconds
- 1Shade some cells; leave the rest empty.
- 2In a row, a shaded cell adds its column number to that row's total.
- 3In a column, a shaded cell adds its row number to that column's total.
- 4Every row and column must hit its target exactly.
See it on a board
Watch: how to play Kakurasu
Still not sure? Some puzzles click faster when you see them solved. This 11-minute video from Steven Scott shows Kakurasu in action.
One cell, two totals
Fill the cell in row 2, column 4, and it adds 4 to row 2's total and 2 to column 4's total. Every move affects two totals at once, which is why Kakurasu rewards thinking in both directions.
Row targets are on the right and column targets are at the bottom. The numbers along the top and left edges are the cell values.
Small and large targets
- A target of 1 can only be the first cell.
- A target of 2 can only be the second cell (1 can't be used twice).
- A target of 3 is either the third cell alone, or the first and second.
- The largest possible target (every cell shaded) means the whole line is filled.
Worked example
- 1On a 4×4, a row's target is 7.
- 27 can be 3 + 4 or 1 + 2 + 4. Both need the 4th cell, so shade column 4 in this row.
- 3Now check column 4: this row adds its row number to that column's total, which may already settle the rest.
Kakurasu tips and strategies
Start with extremes
Very small and very large targets have only one or two ways to be made.
Find cells every option needs
If every combination for a target includes a cell, shade it.
Never overshoot
If shading a cell would push a row or column past its target, leave it empty.
Swap perspectives
After each move, look at the crossing column. It's where the next deduction usually is.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting a cell's row number toward its row (it's the column number).
- Solving rows only and forgetting the columns.
Play Kakurasu in 10+ Number Puzzles
- Tap to fill a cell. Long-press or switch on Notes to mark a dot (likely) or a cross (ruled out).
- Auto Notes marks impossible cells with × and strong candidates with •.
- Nothing is judged as you go: press Check Game to verify, and a Check that finds a broken rule costs a life.
- Five difficulty levels, each a ladder of stages from Easy to Genius.
- Go online for free: ranked 1v1 duels, rooms where you race, co-op or play in teams, and tournaments.
- 27 more puzzle types in the same app, and online play never costs coins.
Kakurasu FAQ
How does scoring work in Kakurasu?
A shaded cell adds its column number to its row's total and its row number to its column's total.
Is Kakurasu hard?
The rules are simple and small boards go quickly. Larger boards need careful combination work, which is where the fun is.
Where do I start a Kakurasu puzzle?
With the smallest and largest targets, which have the fewest possible combinations.
