Mini Sudoku (6×6)
A shorter sudoku for kids, classrooms, and quick five-minute sessions.
What is mini sudoku (6×6)?
Mini sudoku uses a 6×6 grid divided into six 2×3 boxes. The digits 1 to 6 each appear once per row, column, and box. Faster to solve than 9×9. ideal for children learning the rules and for anyone who wants a five-minute session.
Rules
- Fill every cell with a digit from 1 to 6.
- Each digit appears exactly once per row.
- Each digit appears exactly once per column.
- Each digit appears exactly once per 2×3 box.
Tips
- Scan one digit at a time across all rows, columns, and boxes. most solves come from hidden singles.
- Pencil marks are rarely needed; the grid is small enough to hold in working memory.
- Great for kids aged 6+. Adults solve in 1–3 minutes.
Related variants
- Diagonal Sudoku (X-Sudoku), Classic sudoku plus a constraint on both main diagonals.
- Consecutive Sudoku, Classic sudoku with markers showing which adjacent cells differ by exactly one.
- Jigsaw Sudoku, Sudoku with non-rectangular regions. same digit constraint, weirder shapes.
- Classic sudoku for comparison
Mini Sudoku (6×6) FAQ
What ages is mini sudoku good for?
Most kids can tackle 6×6 from around age 6 or 7. Younger children may enjoy 4×4 variants, available in our printables section.
Is mini sudoku easier than regular sudoku?
Yes, much. The 6×6 grid has 36 cells versus 81, and the digit range is 1–6 instead of 1–9. Solves are typically under 5 minutes.
Are mini sudoku puzzles unique?
Yes. Every Sudokly mini puzzle has exactly one solution.
Can I print mini sudoku?
Yes. see our /printable/kids/ page for puzzle packs designed for classrooms.
Why are boxes 2×3 instead of 3×2?
Either works as long as every box contains six cells. We use 2 rows × 3 columns for visual balance.