Easy 16x16 Sudoku — Big Grid, Gentle Logic

Easy 16x16 sudoku is rated 1.0 to 1.9, and every puzzle solves with singles alone. It suits players who know 9x9 and want to learn the bigger board without new theory. You finish able to read a 256-cell grid and use the letter keys without hesitation.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G

What this level asks

Sixteen symbols (1-9, then A-G) and 4x4 boxes. Easy puzzles are generous: our catalogue averages 151 givens out of 256 cells, in a range of 130 to 154. Some cell or symbol always has exactly one place to go, so the challenge is scanning speed, not insight. The rules are in our 16x16 how-to guide, so this page sticks to practice.

Techniques you will meet

Only naked and hidden singles. A hidden single is a symbol with one possible cell left in a row, column or box. A naked single is a cell with one possible symbol left. On a 16-cell row both take longer to spot than on 9x9, because more cells can block each symbol.

Because every box, row and column holds all sixteen symbols once, a nearly full unit is the quickest source of moves. Finish the units with the fewest gaps first, and each placement then tightens its row, column and box for the next scan. Easy puzzles peak at 1.5 on the rating scale, so nothing here should send you to the notes. If a scan finds nothing, you have probably skipped a symbol, not met a harder pattern.

Tips for this level

• Start with the fullest box, row or column.
• Scan by symbol: pick one, such as C, and check each box in turn.
• Letters are only labels. A is not a number, so name each symbol as a symbol until it feels familiar.
• Skip notes. Singles do not need them.

Next step

Once the scan stops feeling slow, try medium 16x16. The wider picture is in giant and mini sudoku.