How to play Number Crossword
Place every number from the list in the grid so the digits match wherever across and down numbers cross. Also known as Number fill-in, Number kriss-kross.
The rules
- The grid has across and down spaces, like a crossword.
- You are given every number that goes in, grouped by how many digits it has.
- Each number goes in exactly one space of its length, reading left to right or top to bottom.
- Where two numbers cross they share a digit, which must match. Given digits cannot be changed.
Playing Number Crossword on Puzzle Solvers
- Choose a level (from mostly 3-digit numbers to a 3–7 digit mix), then press New Puzzle.
- Tap a square and type digits — the cursor runs along the number. Tap the same square again to switch between across and down.
- The list shows every number to place, grouped by length; a number turns green once it is complete in the grid.
- Hint places the next number you can be sure of, and says why.
Using the Number Crossword solver
- Choose a grid size, click squares to make the white spaces, and type the list of numbers (or press Sample).
- Press Solve: spaces where only one number fits, numbers that fit only one space, and what-ifs, one at a time.
A worked example
The list has three 4-digit numbers — 2715, 3186 and 7051 — and a 4-digit down space whose second square already shows 1.
Of the three, only 3186 has 1 as its second digit, so it must go there. Its 8 now sits in the across space that crosses it — check that space next.
Strategies
- Count by length. If there is only one 7-digit number and one 7-digit space, it goes there.
- Use the givens. A space with a digit already in place rules out every number that doesn’t have that digit there.
- Follow the crossings. Each number you place puts digits into the spaces that cross it — check those next.
- Number in one place. Sometimes a number fits only one of the spaces of its length; place it.
Common mistakes
- Writing a number backwards — across numbers read left to right, down numbers top to bottom.
- Using a number twice, or leaving one from the list unused.
Where it comes from
Number fill-ins are a long-standing puzzle-magazine favourite, a cousin of the word fill-in (kriss-kross).
Frequently asked questions
Is there always one answer?
Yes — every puzzle is checked, and given digits are added only where needed to make the answer unique.
How is this different from Cross Numbers?
In Cross Numbers each answer comes from a maths clue. Here you get the list of numbers and must work out where they go.
How do I solve one from a magazine?
Open the Number Crossword Solver, draw the grid, type the numbers and press Solve.
Keep going
- Play Number Crossworda fresh puzzle every time
- Number Crossword Solverstep by step, every move explained
- Cross NumbersFill the grid with numbers so every across and down answer fits its maths…
- KakuroA crossword with digits: each run of white cells adds up to its clue, using…
- Number SearchSolve each maths clue, then find its answer hidden in the grid of digits.
All guides: How to play every puzzle and game.