How to play Math Cages

The goal

Cages

• A 4×4 grid uses the numbers 1 to 4, a 5×5 grid 1 to 5, and so on.
• Each cage has a target and an operation in its corner. “7+” means its numbers add up to 7; “12×” means they multiply to 12.
• “2−” and “3÷” cages always have two cells: the bigger number minus (or divided by) the smaller one makes the target, in either order.
• A number can repeat inside a cage, as long as the copies aren’t in the same row or column.
• A cage with just one cell shows its number already filled in.

Playing

• Tap a cell, then tap a number to place it. Tapping the same number again clears the cell.
• The selected cell’s row and column are shaded, and matching numbers are highlighted.
• Each number key shows how many of that number are still to place.

Tools

• Notes: turn it on to pencil in possible numbers instead of placing them. Placing a number removes it from the notes in the same row and column.
• Erase clears the selected cell. Undo takes back your last change.
• Hint fills in the selected cell, or the next cell that needs one.

Mistakes

• A number repeated in a row or column turns red.
• When a cage is full but its numbers don’t make the target, its label turns red.

Difficulty

• Easy is 4×4, Normal 5×5, Hard 6×6 and Expert 7×7, with bigger cages as the grid grows.
• Every puzzle is new and has exactly one solution. Your best times are kept separately for each difficulty.

Keyboard

• Number keys to place a number, the arrow keys to move, Backspace to erase, N to switch notes on or off, H for a hint, and Ctrl or ⌘+Z to undo.

Questions

Strategy guides