Futoshiki Puzzle Generator
Futoshiki ("not equal") is the Japanese logic puzzle of inequalities: a square grid where every row and every column must hold the numbers 1 to N exactly once, and every < > sign between cells points toward the smaller number. Three difficulty levels from 4×4 to 6×6, solve on screen, and print or download as PDF with an answers option.
How to use the futoshiki maker
Pick a difficulty and a fresh puzzle appears instantly — every puzzle is different, and each one has exactly one solution.
- Reading the grid: each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through N exactly once, where N is the grid size (4, 5 or 6). The < > signs sit between neighbouring cells.
- Solving: fill each blank with a number from 1 to N so that no row or column repeats a number and every sign points toward the smaller number. There is always exactly one way to fill the grid.
- Solve on screen: click any blank and type a number, or use the arrow keys to move between blanks. Check highlights anything wrong.
- Printing: "Print / PDF" prints the blank puzzle — up to 2 per sheet. "Print Answers" prints the completed grid.
The rules of futoshiki
- Fill every blank cell with a number from 1 to N, where N is the grid size.
- Every row must contain each number 1 to N exactly once.
- Every column must contain each number 1 to N exactly once.
- Every sign points toward the smaller number: < means the cell on the left is smaller, > means the cell on the left is larger.
- Vertical signs work the same way: ∧ means the cell above is smaller, ∨ means the cell below is smaller.
- There is exactly one solution, reachable by logic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a futoshiki puzzle?
Futoshiki (Japanese for "not equal") is a logic puzzle played on a square grid — here 4×4, 5×5 or 6×6. Every row and every column must contain the numbers 1 through N exactly once (N is the grid size), and every inequality sign between two cells must point toward the smaller number. Some numbers are given; your job is to fill in the rest.
What do the < and > signs mean?
Every sign points toward the smaller number. A < sign means the cell on its left holds a smaller number than the cell on its right; a > sign means the cell on the left is larger. The vertical signs work the same way: ∧ means the cell above is smaller and ∨ means the cell below is smaller.
Is the futoshiki puzzle generator free?
Yes. Every puzzle generator on this site is completely free and unlimited. There is no account, no sign-up and no watermark, and you can generate as many puzzles as you like.
How do I print a futoshiki puzzle or save it as a PDF?
Click "Print / PDF" to print the blank puzzle, or "Print Answers" for the completed grid. In the print dialog choose "Save as PDF" to download a file. You can print up to 2 puzzles per sheet.