Classic Sudoku · 25
Classic Sudoku · 25: a 9×9 Sudoku with 36 clues and one solution. Play online, use pencil notes and hints, or compare the complete answer.
Use rows and columns: R1C1 is row 1, column 1. Enter digits inside the squares.
Read the position, one decision at a time
Follow the deductions in order. Each step uses the grid after the preceding entry.
Reveal step-by-step explanations
Deduction 1: R9C8 = 7
After the preceding deductions, row 9, column 8 has only candidate 7. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 7, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.
Check the existing digits: row 9: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; column 8: 1, 3, 5, 9; box: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.
Deduction 2: R3C8 = 6
After the preceding deductions, row 3, column 8 has only candidate 6. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 6, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.
Check the existing digits: row 3: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9; column 8: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9; box: 1, 3, 4, 5, 9. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.
Deduction 3: R3C7 = 7
After the preceding deductions, row 3, column 7 has only candidate 7. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 7, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.
Check the existing digits: row 3: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9; column 7: 2, 4, 5, 9; box: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.
Deduction 4: R1C9 = 8
After the preceding deductions, row 1, column 9 has only candidate 8. Its row, column and box exclude every other digit. Enter 8, then update the remaining candidates; this conclusion does not require consulting the completed answer.
Check the existing digits: row 1: 3, 9; column 9: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; box: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. Each digit already present rules out that candidate in this cell.
Understand this position
9×9 grid · 3×3 boxes · 36 clues · 45 empty cells
Start by inspecting row 9, column 8. From the starting grid, its legal candidates are 7. Check the filled digits in that row, column and box before entering a number. Only one candidate remains: this is a naked single.
Read the complete answer by row
4 · 2 · 5 · 7 · 6 · 1 · 9 · 3 · 87 · 6 · 1 · 9 · 3 · 8 · 4 · 2 · 59 · 3 · 8 · 4 · 2 · 5 · 7 · 6 · 16 · 1 · 9 · 3 · 8 · 4 · 2 · 5 · 73 · 8 · 4 · 2 · 5 · 7 · 6 · 1 · 92 · 5 · 7 · 6 · 1 · 9 · 3 · 8 · 45 · 7 · 6 · 1 · 9 · 3 · 8 · 4 · 28 · 4 · 2 · 5 · 7 · 6 · 1 · 9 · 31 · 9 · 3 · 8 · 4 · 2 · 5 · 7 · 6