puzzlerzone
What Crossnum is
Crossnum is a daily math crossword in which every row and column must form a correct equation. Your task is to fill the empty cells of the grid using only numbers from the allowed range shown above the board. Because the rows and columns interlock, each choice affects both a horizontal and a vertical equation, so you must solve by careful deduction rather than by guessing. Each puzzle has exactly one solution, and no fractions or negatives are allowed: every calculation step must give a whole number at or above zero. A new puzzle is available every day at 2:00 AM, with the week starting easier on Monday and building to the hardest puzzle on Sunday. A practice game is also available if you want to sharpen your skills before taking on the daily challenge.
How to play
Begin by looking at the number range above the board, since every cell you fill must come from that set. Treat each row and column as a math equation, and remember that the final grid must satisfy all of them at once. As you consider a possible number, check whether it keeps both the horizontal and vertical calculations valid. Since no fractions or negatives are permitted, rule out any candidate that would force an intermediate result below zero or into a non-whole value. Also remember that numbers used in multiplication and divisors cannot exceed 12. Work from the most constrained entries and use elimination to confirm the unique solution. Playing the practice game first can help you understand how the ranges and interlocking equations behave before you start the daily puzzle.
Tips
- Before placing a number, confirm that it falls inside the allowed range shown above the board; anything outside that set can be ruled out right away.
- Keep the no-fractions and no-negatives rule in mind: if a candidate would make any calculation step produce a fraction or a number below zero, it cannot be correct.
- Remember that numbers you multiply by and divisors cannot exceed 12, so limit your candidates accordingly when working with multiplication or division.
- Use the practice game first to get comfortable with the puzzle's logic before trying today's daily equation grid.
Common questions
Does every Crossnum puzzle have exactly one solution?
Yes. Each puzzle is designed with exactly one solution, and it can be reached through deduction alone without guessing. The rules against fractions and negatives, along with the permitted number range, keep the solving process clearly defined.
What number ranges can appear in a Crossnum puzzle?
The allowed numbers are shown above the board each day. The supported ranges include 0..128, 1..32, and 1..12. In addition, any number you multiply by, and any divisor, cannot exceed 12.
Is there a way to practice before the daily puzzle?
Yes, a practice game is available before today's puzzle. It gives you a chance to solve a puzzle under the same rules while building familiarity with the interlocking equations and allowed number ranges.
When is the new daily puzzle available and how does difficulty change?
A new puzzle is available every day at 2:00 AM. The difficulty is arranged so that Monday's puzzle is the easiest, and the puzzles gradually become harder through the week, with Sunday being the most challenging.