Calcudoku is another name for KenKen — the same arithmetic logic puzzle with cages, targets, and operations. The name 'Calcudoku' is more common in Europe.

Is Calcudoku the same as KenKen?

Yes, Calcudoku and KenKen are the same puzzle. 'KenKen' is the trademarked name; 'Calcudoku' and 'Mathdoku' are generic alternatives.

How do you solve Calcudoku puzzles?

Fill the grid so each row and column has unique numbers, then ensure each cage's numbers produce the target when the operation is applied.

Number Duel Games

Calcudoku

Calcudoku is the generic name for the puzzle type also known as KenKen or Mathdoku. Invented by Japanese math teacher Tetsuya Miyamoto in 2004, it combines the Latin Square rule of Sudoku with arithmetic cage constraints. Every row and column must contain each number from 1 to N exactly once, and cells grouped into cages must satisfy the arithmetic target and operation shown in the cage corner.

Play Calcudoku Now →

How to Play Calcudoku

Fill the grid so each row and column contains numbers 1 to N exactly once.
Cells are grouped into cages, shown by thick borders.
Each cage shows a target number and an operation (e.g., "12×" means the cage numbers multiply to 12).
Addition cages: sum the numbers to reach the target.
Multiplication cages: multiply the numbers to reach the target.
Subtraction cages: subtract the smaller from the larger to match the target.
Division cages: divide the larger by the smaller to match the target.
Single-cell cages show the answer directly (a free clue).

Calcudoku vs KenKen vs Mathdoku — What's the Difference?

These three names all refer to the same puzzle. KenKen is the trademarked name used by the original publisher. Calcudoku and Mathdoku are the generic names used when the puzzle appears outside the official KenKen brand. The rules, cage types, and solving strategies are identical across all three names. If you enjoy Sudoku, Calcudoku adds a mathematical layer that exercises both logic and arithmetic skills.

Calcudoku Grid Sizes

4×4: Beginner-friendly. Numbers 1–4. Quick to solve.
6×6: Intermediate challenge. Numbers 1–6. Requires more deduction.
9×9: Expert level. Numbers 1–9. The ultimate Calcudoku test.

Calcudoku Solving Tips

Fill in single-cell cages first — they give you free numbers.
Look for cages with limited possibilities (e.g., "3+" in a 2-cell 4×4 cage can only be 1+2).
Apply Sudoku-style row/column elimination throughout.
For multiplication cages, factorize the target to list all valid combinations.
For subtraction and division cages, note that order doesn't matter — always subtract/divide larger by smaller.
Use the process of elimination: once a row has most numbers filled, the remaining cells are constrained.

Play Calcudoku Now →

Related Games

KenKen — the original name for Calcudoku
KenKen Online — play in your browser
Sudoku for Kids — block-based logic puzzle
24 Game Online — arithmetic puzzle