Free printable number search puzzles

Cross Number Puzzle

Each clue is a calculation. Work out the answer and write it into the grid, one digit per square.

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A cross number puzzle is a crossword whose answers are numbers. Each clue is a calculation, and you work out the answer and write it into the grid one digit per square. This version runs in your web browser, is free, and needs no sign-up. It works on phones, tablets and computers. Every puzzle is different, and every clue really equals its answer. You can check your digits as you go, or print the puzzle. Crossnumber puzzles with answers are included: the printout ends with an answer page, so you can use the puzzle for practice or mark it quickly in class.
Cross number puzzle example

How to play a cross number puzzle

  1. Pick a difficulty: Easy, Medium or Hard. Then choose 6, 8, 10 or 12 numbers. Changing a setting makes a new puzzle.
  2. Read the calculations listed under Across and Down. Each one shows the number of digits in brackets, such as (3 digits).
  3. Click a calculation in the list to jump to its first empty square, or click any square in the grid.
  4. Type a digit. The cursor moves to the next square of the same number.
  5. Click the same square again, or press the space bar, to switch between across and down.
  6. Use the arrow keys to move around the grid, and press Backspace to clear a square.
  7. Watch the counter, such as “Digits filled: 6 of 16”, to see your progress.
  8. Press Check to mark wrong digits in red. It also tells you how many are wrong, or how many squares are still empty.
  9. If you are stuck, use Show digit for one square, Show number for one calculation, or Show all for the full grid.
  10. When every number is right, you will see “Solved! Every number is in the right place.”

Use New puzzle to get another puzzle, or Clear grid to start the same one again. Copy link reopens exactly this puzzle. To print, choose Print / Save PDF (with answer page) or Print answer key only. Open Print settings to pick Letter or A4 paper. In the print window, choose Save as PDF to get a file.

What is a cross number puzzle?

A cross number puzzle is a crossword in which every answer is a number. Each clue is a calculation, and you write its answer into the grid one digit per square. It is also called a crossnumber puzzle or cross-figure puzzle.

It differs from a number fill-in, where you get a list of numbers with no clues. In a cross number puzzle, every number has a calculation as its clue. The clue types include adding, taking away, doubles, halves, times tables, division, squares and two-step sums such as 12 × 214 − 1.

Numbers cross each other, so a digit you know from one answer is also a digit of the number it crosses. The grid therefore checks your arithmetic. In the example puzzle, 1 across is 865 − 4, which equals 861.

How do you solve a cross number puzzle?

Start with the calculation that is quickest to do, then use its digits to help with the crossing numbers. Work through these steps:

  1. Read the digit count in brackets. A 3-digit answer cannot be 1000 or more, so this rules out many guesses.
  2. Look for the number with the most digits. It crosses more other numbers, so its digits give you more help.
  3. Solve a clue, then check each digit against the number it crosses.
  4. If a digit does not agree, redo the sum. Check your working before you change a crossing digit.
  5. If a crossing digit still does not fit, do the sum a second time.

Where can I find cross number puzzles with answers?

Each puzzle on this page has an answer page. The Print / Save PDF option adds it after the puzzle, with the filled grid and every calculation followed by its answer, such as “= 861”. If you only need the answers, choose Print answer key only. Teachers can use the answer page to mark work quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I print a cross number puzzle?

Yes. Choose Print / Save PDF (with answer page) to print the puzzle and its answers, or Print answer key only for the answers alone. Choose Letter or A4 in Print settings. To keep a file, pick Save as PDF in the print window.

Is it free, and is anything uploaded?

The puzzle is free to play, and no sign-up is needed. Everything runs in your web browser, and nothing you do is uploaded or sent to a server.

Are there cross number puzzles with answers?

Yes. Every puzzle includes an answer page when you print it. The page shows the filled grid and each calculation with its answer, so you can check your work or mark it quickly.

Can I use the printouts in class?

Yes. You can use the printouts for personal, school, classroom and business purposes. The only rule is that you may not resell them as a stand-alone product, and no credit line is needed.

Why are some numbers missing from the grid?

The tool tries up to 100 layouts and keeps the most compact one that holds the most numbers. Most puzzles include every number you asked for, but some have fewer. Press New puzzle to try another layout.