What is Futoshiki?
Futoshiki is a number-placement logic puzzle played on a square grid. A 5x5 Futoshiki uses the numbers 1 to 5, a 6x6 puzzle uses 1 to 6, and so on.
The twist is the inequality signs between adjacent cells. If one cell points to another with a greater-than sign, the first value must be larger. These signs turn a simple Latin square into a sharper deduction puzzle.
- Each row contains every number from 1 to the grid size.
- Each column contains every number from 1 to the grid size.
- No number repeats in a row or column.
- Every greater-than and less-than sign must be true.
- Given numbers cannot be changed.
How to play Futoshiki
Start by scanning the signs. A cell that must be less than another cell cannot be the maximum number. A cell that must be greater than another cell cannot be the minimum number.
Then combine those limits with row and column rules. If a row already contains 1, 3 and 4 on a 4x4 grid, the last empty cell must be 2, provided the surrounding inequalities agree.
- Click or tap an empty cell.
- Use the number buttons or keyboard to enter a value.
- Use Check to highlight values that disagree with the solution.
- Use Hint to reveal one correct cell.
- Use New puzzle to generate another board at the same settings.
Grid sizes and difficulty
The 4x4 Futoshiki is fast and friendly for learning the signs. The 5x5 grid is the classic middle ground, while 6x6 creates longer chains of row, column and inequality logic.
Difficulty changes how much structure is visible at the start. Easy puzzles include more givens and signs. Hard puzzles leave more cells open, so you need to combine several small constraints before a number becomes forced.
- 4x4: quick beginner puzzles and short breaks.
- 5x5: balanced Futoshiki with enough room for chains.
- 6x6: larger grids with deeper elimination.
- Easy: more direct placements.
- Hard: fewer obvious starts and more linked deductions.
Futoshiki strategy tips
Look for extremes first. A cell that is greater than two neighbours is unlikely to be 1, and a cell that is less than two neighbours is unlikely to be the highest number. These limits are often enough to remove candidates.
Chains are especially powerful. If A is less than B and B is less than C, then A cannot be one of the largest values and C cannot be one of the smallest values. Combine that with row and column exclusions to find forced cells.
- Mark cells that cannot be the minimum or maximum.
- Use rows and columns to remove repeated numbers.
- Follow chains of inequalities before guessing.
- Recheck every sign after placing a number.
- Treat a solved row or column as new information for crossing cells.
How this online Futoshiki generator works
This page creates a solved Latin-square grid, adds true inequality signs between neighbouring cells, and then removes visible clues while checking that the puzzle still has a single solution.
Each generated board stays on this main Futoshiki page, giving players a fresh puzzle while keeping the SEO focus on one evergreen guide to Futoshiki rules, strategy and online play.