The rules
- Divide the whole grid into rectangles along the cell lines. Squares count.
- Each rectangle holds exactly one number.
- That number is the number of cells in the rectangle.
Every puzzle has exactly one solution, and you reach it by logic, without guessing.
How to play here
- Draw: drag from one corner to the opposite corner and let go. The size shows under the grid while you drag.
- Tap mode: tap one corner, then tap the opposite corner.
- Remove: tap a rectangle. A new rectangle also replaces any rectangle it overlaps.
- Keyboard: arrows to move, Space to mark a corner, Space again to draw, Escape to cancel, Delete to remove.
- A rectangle with no number, two numbers, or a number that is not its size is marked with diagonal stripes.
Difficulty levels
| Level | Size | What it takes |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 6×6 | One fit |
| Medium | 8×8 | + Shared cells |
| Hard | 10×10 | + Only one number |
| Expert | 8×8 | + Try it |
Techniques
One fit
A number that fits in only one rectangle: draw it.
Shared cells
Every rectangle a number can make covers some of the same cells. Those cells are that number’s, so no other number can use them.
Only one number
A cell that only one number’s rectangles can reach must be in that number’s rectangle.
Try it
Draw one possible rectangle for a number and follow the easy steps. If another number or an empty cell is left with no room, that rectangle is wrong.
Tips
- Start with the 1s, and with big numbers near a corner or between other numbers.
- A prime number like 5 or 7 can only make a single row or a single column.
- Look for cells far from every number: only one or two numbers can reach them.
FAQ
- Do squares count as rectangles?
- Yes. A square is a rectangle, so a 2 × 2 box around a 4 is fine.
- Is there a new puzzle every day?
- Yes. A new Rectangles puzzle is published every day at each of the four levels: easy, medium, hard and expert. Earlier puzzles are in the archive.
- Do I need an account to play?
- No. You play right in your browser, with no sign-up and no cookies. Your progress is saved in your browser.