Maths Guru
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PuzzleAges 5–11Part of Arcade Walk

Magic Squares: make every line add up

In a magic square, every row, column and both diagonals add up to the same total, the magic constant, and each number can be used only once. Maths Guru offers 3×3 (total 15), 4×4 (total 34) and 5×5 (total 65) squares, which makes it a lively addition and subtraction workout.

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Magic Squares

How to play

  1. Fill the grid with numbers so that every row, column and both diagonals sum to the magic constant shown above the grid.
  2. Each number can be used only once. A 3×3 square uses 1–9 and every line adds up to 15.
  3. Golden cells are pre-filled. They are correct and cannot be changed.
  4. Start with the line that has the most cells filled. The missing number is the magic constant minus the others.
  5. You get 3 Check attempts, so fill the whole grid before checking.

Maths skills it builds

  • Addition and subtraction
  • Finding a missing number
  • Logical reasoning
  • Number patterns

Why it works

Magic squares rehearse the missing-number idea at the heart of algebra: if a row needs 15 and has 2 and 7, what is the third number? Children do this repeatedly, in different lines, until the pattern of the whole square starts to make sense. The 3×3 square, where the centre is always 5, is a classic first discovery.

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Questions parents ask

What is the magic constant?

The total every row, column and diagonal must reach: 15 for a 3×3 square, 34 for 4×4 and 65 for 5×5.

Which numbers are used?

1–9 in the 3×3 square, 1–16 in the 4×4 and 1–25 in the 5×5, each exactly once.

Is any hint available?

Some cells are pre-filled in gold. Each puzzle also shows its magic constant above the grid.

Can guests play?

Yes. Guests can play the Beginner level. Signing up unlocks Explorer and Champion.

Magic Squares

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