Math Crossword

Math Crossword turns arithmetic into a grid puzzle. Instead of word clues, each across and down entry is an equation like 3 + 4 = 7 or 6 x 2 = 12. You fill in the missing numbers from a tile bank until every equation checks out. Research from the University of Chicago shows that puzzle-based math practice improves numerical fluency more than repetitive drills. The crossword structure forces you to think in two directions at once. Start playing Math Crossword right now in your browser, no download needed.

1. Pick a difficulty level: Easy uses addition and subtraction, Medium adds multiplication, and Hard includes division.
2. Click any empty number cell in the grid to select it. The selected cell highlights in blue.
3. Click a number tile from the tile bank below the grid to place it in the selected cell. The tile disappears from the bank.
4. Click a placed number to remove it and send it back to the tile bank.
5. Use arrow keys to move between cells without reaching for the mouse.
6. Each tile can only be used once, so plan your placements carefully.
7. Completed equations turn green automatically. Fill every cell correctly to win.

• The grid contains number cells, operator cells (+, -, x, /), and equals cells (=). Operator and equals cells are fixed.
• Each across equation reads left to right: A op B = C. For example, 3 + 4 = 7.
• Each down equation reads top to bottom: A op B = C. For example, 4 x 2 = 8.
• Number cells shared between an across and a down equation must satisfy both equations at the same time.
• You receive a tile bank containing exactly the numbers needed to solve the puzzle. Each tile is used exactly once.
• Division equations always produce whole numbers with no remainder.
• The puzzle is solved when every number cell is filled and every equation is correct.

• Count the tiles before you start. If your tile bank has only one 7 and two equations need a 7, one of those equations must use a different number in that slot.
• Solve equations with only one missing cell first. If 3 + ? = 7, the answer is 4 and you can place it immediately.
• Look for intersections where an across and down equation share a cell. The shared number must satisfy both equations, which narrows your options fast.
• Check the operator before committing. Multiplication and division equations have fewer valid single-digit combinations than addition and subtraction, so they constrain the puzzle more tightly.
• Use elimination when stuck. If a tile bank has a 6 and no equation can produce or use a 6 in any open cell, re-examine your earlier placements for an error.

• Easy (Small Grid): A compact grid with addition and subtraction only. Great for beginners and quick sessions. Try it alongside Calcudoku for more number puzzle variety.
• Medium (Mid Grid): Adds multiplication to the mix. Equations get a bit longer and intersections more frequent.
• Hard (Large Grid): Includes all four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The largest grids have the most intersecting equations.

• Every placement feels like solving two puzzles at once. A single number can complete an across equation and a down equation in the same move.
• The tile bank adds a resource management layer. You cannot just type any number; you must work with what you have.
• Arithmetic practice disguised as a game. Players improve their mental math without it feeling like a drill.

Play Math Crossword free in your browser right now. Pick a difficulty, fill the grid, and watch equations turn green as you solve. No accounts, no downloads, no waiting. If you enjoy this, try Kakuro or Sudoku for more number puzzle challenges.

Math Crossword combines arithmetic practice with the spatial reasoning of a crossword grid. Pick a difficulty, place your tiles, and solve every equation to win. Start your first puzzle today.

• University of Chicago: Puzzle-Based Math Instruction and Numerical Fluency
• NumCross: Open-Source Arithmetic Crossword by Javier Perez (GitHub)