Futoshiki 4×4 Puzzles
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Can you place the numbers 1-4 in these 4×4 futoshiki puzzles so that numbers are not repeated in any row and column and all inequality statements are true?
What are Futoshiki Puzzles?
Futoshiki puzzles are a grid-based number puzzle that are a variant of a latin square puzzle. In a latin square puzzle, you must place numbers so that each number appears once in each and every row and column. Futoshiki puzzles build upon this structure by requiring all of the inequality symbols placed between the grid cells to be obeyed.
4×4 Futoshiki Puzzle Instructions
Fill in the grid so that each row and column contain the numbers 1-4 exactly one time each. The inequality symbols between cells must be obeyed.
Different Levels of Puzzles
These futoshiki puzzles are available to download in several different levels of difficulty. First, you will need to decide whether you want the puzzles to include or exclude starting hints.
The puzzles with starting hints are substantially easier, so I would suggest that first time futoshiki solvers start with those.
Additionally, once you select whether you want to download the puzzles with or without starting hints, each set of futoshiki puzzles comes in three levels: easy, medium, and hard.
Printing Options
These 4×4 futoshiki puzzles can be printed either 1 puzzle to a page or 4 puzzles to a page. The version with 1 puzzle to a page is perfect for using with plastic number tiles or sliding in a dry erase pocket so students can easily erase mistakes.
The version with 4 puzzles to a page is better suited for casual puzzle solvers or for giving as a class assignment that is to be turned in.
Free Download of Printable 4×4 Futoshiki Puzzles
These 4×4 futoshiki puzzles are available to download as a PDF or as an editable PowerPoint file.
Futoshiki 4×4 Puzzles without Starting Hints
1 to a Page – PDF
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – No Hints – 1 to a Page (PDF)
206 downloads – 85.35 KB
4 to a Page – PDF
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – No Hints – 4 to a Page (PDF)
195 downloads – 68.00 KB
Editable Powerpoint Files
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – No Hints (Editable PPT in ZIP)
263 downloads – 762.81 KB
Futoshiki 4×4 Puzzles with Starting Hints
1 to a Page – PDF
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – With Starting Hints – 1 to a Page (PDF)
186 downloads – 91.59 KB
4 to a Page – PDF
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – With Starting Hints – 4 to a Page (PDF)
195 downloads – 74.98 KB
Editable Powerpoint Files
Click here to Download4×4 Futoshiki – With Starting Hints (Editable PPT in ZIP)
295 downloads – 789.67 KB
Puzzle Solutions
Puzzle solutions are available on a password-protected solution page. I do not openly post the puzzle answer keys because one of my goals as a resource creator is to craft learning experiences for students that are non-google-able. I want teachers to be able to use these puzzles in their classrooms without the solutions being found easily on the Internet.
Please email me at sarah@mathequalslove.net for the password to the answer key database featuring all of my printable puzzles and math worksheets. I frequently have students emailing me for the answer key, so please specify in your email what school you teach at and what subjects you teach. If you do not provide these details, I will not be able to send you the password.
Not a teacher? Go ahead and send me an email as well. Just let me know what you are using the puzzles for. I am continually in awe of how many people are using these puzzles with scouting groups, with senior adults battling dementia, or as fun activities in their workplace. Just give me enough details so I know you are not a student looking for answers to the puzzle that was assigned as their homework!
