How to Play Magic Square
Magic squares are among the oldest puzzles in the world; the 3×3 Lo Shu was known in China over two thousand years ago. Here you complete one from a few given numbers.
The rules
- The grid uses each number from 1 to n² exactly once.
- Every row, every column and both main diagonals must add up to the magic total: 15 for 3×3, 34 for 4×4, 65 for 5×5.
- Some numbers are given and cannot change. Every puzzle has exactly one completion.
Playing on kawu
Tap a cell and type its number, or pick one from the pad under the grid; entering a number that is already placed moves it. The sums beside each row and under each column turn green when a line is complete and correct, red when it is complete and wrong. Sizes 3×3, 4×4 and 5×5; the daily puzzle is 4×4 and timed. Hint fixes a wrong entry first, then fills the most constrained cell.
Next: Magic Square solving tips.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the magic total always the same for a size?
All the numbers 1 to n² add up to n²(n²+1)/2, and they are shared equally by the n rows, so each row sums to n(n²+1)/2: 15 for 3×3, 34 for 4×4, 65 for 5×5.
Do the diagonals count?
Yes, both main diagonals must reach the magic total too. Broken diagonals do not matter.
Last updated 2026-10-21