About Magic Square
Place every number from 1 to 16 exactly once. Each row, each column and both corner-to-corner diagonals must total 34; the printed numbers force one answer.
Explore 616 original charts across four open shelves. Subtract known numbers from a line total, check crossing lines and unused numbers, and keep your first solve time for each chart.
How to play
- Goal
- Place each number from 1 to 16 once, so every row, column and both corner-to-corner diagonals total 34.
- How it ends
- A chart is complete when all sixteen numbers are placed and every required line totals 34; there is no loss.
- Record
- Your first solve time is kept per chart, alongside the fastest verified first solve and its holder.
- Use every number from 1 to 16 exactly once in the whole square. Printed numbers are fixed.
- Every row, every column and the two full corner-to-corner diagonals must total 34. Short, wrapped and broken diagonals impose no extra rule. There are no box constraints.
- Tap an editable cell to open its number palette. Choose a number, or type it and Apply. Closing the palette commits nothing; Clear removes an editable entry.
- A line with one empty cell gives a direct subtraction. Check the crossing lines and whether that number already appears elsewhere before placing it.
- Choose any of the four shelves. Opening charts keep more printed numbers; Advanced charts leave more to work out. Every chart has one answer.
- The first clock starts on chart selection and keeps running through menus and Restart. Reloaded attempts remain playable locally; later replays are Practice and preserve the first finish.
Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Tap a cell, then a number | Fill an editable cell |
| Arrows / type / Enter | Move focus / enter a number / apply |
| Delete / Backspace | Clear the focused editable cell |
| Z / Y / R | Undo / Redo / request Restart |
| Escape | Cancel an entry or close a dialog |
Tips
- Subtract a known subtotal If a line has one empty cell, subtract its printed and entered numbers from 34.
- Check both diagonals Only the two full corner diagonals count, and each must total 34.
- Use each number once A number that fits a row still fails if it already appears elsewhere in the square.
Watch how to play
Questions
Do the boxes need their own totals?
No. Only the four rows, four columns and two corner-to-corner diagonals must total 34.
Can a number appear twice?
No. Use each number from 1 to 16 exactly once in the whole square.
Do the charts have one answer?
Yes. The printed numbers force exactly one answer.
Does Restart reset my time?
No. It clears editable entries while preserving printed numbers and the first clock.
Can Practice improve the first time?
No. The first finish remains unchanged.
