How to Create and Solve Sudoku Puzzles in Excel
If you love playing Sudoku, you might be interested in learning how to create and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel. Excel is a powerful and versatile tool that can help you generate, solve, and analyze Sudoku puzzles with ease. In this article, we will show you how to use Excel spreadsheets, add-ins, solver tools, and logic techniques to create and solve Sudoku puzzles of different levels and difficulty. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something useful and fun in this article.
What is Sudoku and why is it fun?
Sudoku is a popular logic puzzle game that originated in Japan. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9x9 grid with numbers from 1 to 9, such that each row, column, and 3x3 subgrid contains each number exactly once. Sudoku puzzles come in different sizes, shapes, and variants, but the basic rules are always the same.
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Sudoku is fun because it challenges your brain, improves your concentration, memory, and logical thinking skills. It also provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when you solve a puzzle. Sudoku is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, as it does not require any mathematical or language skills. You can play Sudoku anytime, anywhere, with just a pencil and paper, or on your computer or mobile device.
Sudoku rules and tips
Before we dive into how to create and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel, let's review some basic Sudoku rules and tips that will help you play better.
You can only use the numbers 1 to 9 in each cell of the grid.
You can only use each number once in each row, column, and 3x3 subgrid.
Avoid trying to guess the solution to the puzzle. Use the process of elimination as a tactic instead.
Use cross-hatching and penciling in techniques to narrow down the possible numbers for each cell.
Cross-hatching is when you scan a row or column within a subgrid to eliminate numbers that already appear in other subgrids.
Penciling in is when you write small numbers inside the cells to indicate the possible candidates for each cell.
Sudoku levels and difficulty
Sudoku puzzles can be classified into different levels of difficulty, depending on how many clues (numbers) are given at the start of the puzzle, and how complex the logic techniques required to solve them are. The most common levels are easy, medium, hard, and expert (or evil).
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Easy puzzles have more clues (about 40-50) and can be solved by using simple cross-hatching and penciling in techniques.
Medium puzzles have fewer clues (about 30-40) and require more advanced logic techniques, such as hidden singles, naked pairs, or locked candidates.
Hard puzzles have even fewer clues (about 20-30) and require more complex logic techniques, such as hidden pairs, naked triples, or X-wing.
Expert puzzles have very few clues (less than 20) and require very sophisticated logic techniques, such as swordfish, XY-wing, or unique rectangle.
How How to create a Sudoku puzzle in Excel
There are two main ways to create a Sudoku puzzle in Excel: using a spreadsheet with formulas, or using an Excel add-in with macros. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Using a spreadsheet with formulas
One way to create a Sudoku puzzle in Excel is to use a spreadsheet that contains formulas that generate and validate the puzzle. You can either download a ready-made spreadsheet from the internet, or create your own spreadsheet from scratch.
Downloading a ready-made spreadsheet
If you want to save time and effort, you can download a ready-made spreadsheet that has all the formulas and features you need to create and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel. There are many websites that offer free or paid Sudoku spreadsheets, such as [Sudoku Generator], [Sudoku Solver], or [Sudoku XL]. Here are the steps to download and use a ready-made spreadsheet:
Go to the website of your choice and download the spreadsheet file (.xls or .xlsx) to your computer.
Open the file in Excel and enable macros if prompted.
Select the level of difficulty you want for your puzzle (easy, medium, hard, or expert).
Click on the Generate button to create a new puzzle.
Print or save the puzzle if you want, or start solving it on the spreadsheet.
Use the Check button to verify your answers, or the Solve button to reveal the solution.
Creating your own spreadsheet
If you want to have more control and customization over your Sudoku puzzles, you can create your own spreadsheet from scratch. This requires some knowledge of Excel formulas and functions, but it is not very difficult. Here are the steps to create your own spreadsheet:
Create a new workbook in Excel and name it Sudoku.
Create a 9x9 grid of cells on the first worksheet and name it Puzzle. This is where you will generate and solve the puzzle.
Create another 9x9 grid of cells on the second worksheet and name it Solution. This is where you will store the solution of the puzzle.
Create another worksheet and name it Generator. This is where you will write the formulas that generate the puzzle.
On the Generator worksheet, write the following formula in cell A1: =RANDBETWEEN(1,9). This formula generates a random number between 1 and 9.
Copy and paste this formula to cells A2:A9, B1:B9, C1:C9, D1:D9, E1:E9, F1:F9, G1:G9, H1:H9, and I1:I9. This creates a 9x9 grid of random numbers.
Select cells A1:I9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Solution worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Values and click OK. This copies the values of the random numbers to the Solution worksheet.
Go back to the Generator worksheet and write the following formula in cell J1: =COUNTIF($A$1:$I$9,A1). This formula counts how many times the value in cell A1 appears in the 9x9 grid.
Copy and paste this formula to cells J2:J9, K1:K9, L1:L9, M1:M9, N1:N9, O1:O9, P1:P9, Q1:Q9, and R1:R9. This creates another 9x9 grid of counts.
Select cells J1:R9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Puzzle worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Values and click OK. This copies the values of the counts to the Puzzle worksheet.
On the Puzzle worksheet, write the following formula in cell S1: =IF(J1=0,"",A1). This formula checks if the count in cell J1 is zero. If yes, it leaves the cell blank. If no, it copies the value from cell A1.
Copy and paste this formula to cells S2:S9, T1:T9, U1:U9, V1:V9, W1:W9, X1:X9, Y1:Y9, Z1:Z9, and AA1:AA9. This creates another 9x9 grid of values or blanks.Select cells S1:AA9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Solution worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Formulas and click OK. This copies the formulas from the Puzzle worksheet to the Solution worksheet.
On the Solution worksheet, write the following formula in cell AB1: =SUM(S1:AA1). This formula sums up the values in row 1.
Copy and paste this formula to cells AB2:AB9, AC1:AC9, AD1:AD9, AE1:AE9, AF1:AF9, AG1:AG9, AH1:AH9, AI1:AI9, and AJ1:AJ9. This creates another 9x9 grid of sums.
Select cells AB1:AJ9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Puzzle worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Values and click OK. This copies the values of the sums to the Puzzle worksheet.
On the Puzzle worksheet, write the following formula in cell AK1: =IF(AB1=45,"OK","ERROR"). This formula checks if the sum in cell AB1 is equal to 45. If yes, it displays "OK". If no, it displays "ERROR".
Copy and paste this formula to cells AK2:AK9, AL1:AL9, AM1:AM9, AN1:AN9, AO1:AO9, AP1:AP9, AQ1:AQ9, AR1:AR9, and AS1:AS9. This creates another 9x9 grid of validation messages.
Select cells AK1:AS9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Solution worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Formulas and click OK. This copies the formulas from the Puzzle worksheet to the Solution worksheet.
On the Solution worksheet, write the following formula in cell AT1: =IF(COUNTIF(AK$1:$AK$9,"ERROR")=0,"OK","ERROR"). This formula checks if there are any errors in column AK. If yes, it displays "ERROR". If no, it displays "OK".
Copy and paste this formula to cells AU1:AQ9. This creates another 9x9 grid of validation messages.
Select cells AT1:AQ9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Puzzle worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Values and click OK. This copies the values of the validation messages to the Puzzle worksheet.
On the Puzzle worksheet, write the following formula in cell AV1: =IF(COUNTIF(AT$1:$AT$9,"ERROR")=0,"OK","ERROR"). This formula checks if there are any errors in row AT. If yes, it displays "ERROR". If no, it displays "OK".
Copy and paste this formula to cells AW1:AQ9. This creates another 9x9 grid of validation messages.
Select cells AV1:AQ9 and press Ctrl+C to copy them.
Go to the Solution worksheet and select cell A1. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Formulas and click OK. This copies the formulas from the Puzzle worksheet to the Solution worksheet.
On the Solution worksheet, write the following formula in cell AX1: =IF(AND(AT$10="OK",AV$10="OK"),"VALID","INVALID"). This formula checks if both row AT and column AV are "OK". If yes, it displays "VALID". If no, it displays "INVALID".
Select cell AX10 and press Ctrl+C to copy it.
Go to the Puzzle worksheet and select cell A10. Right-click and choose Paste Special. Select Values and click OK. This copies the value of the validation message to the Puzzle worksheet.
If cell A10 is "VALID", you have successfully generated a valid Sudoku puzzle on the Puzzle worksheet. You can delete or hide columns J through AQ on both worksheets if you want.
If cell A10 is "INVALID", you have generated an invalid Sudoku puzzle on the Puzzle worksheet. You can try again by pressing F9 on your keyboard to generate a new set of random numbers on the Generator worksheet.
Using an Excel add-in with macros
Another way to create a Sudoku puzzle in Excel is to use an Excel add-in that contains macros that generate and validate the puzzle. You can either download a ready-made add-in from the internet, or create your own add-in from scratch.
Downloading and installing the add-in
If you want to save time and effort, you can download a ready-made add-in that has all the macros and features you need to create and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel. There are many websites that offer free or paid Sudoku add-ins, such as [Sudoku Assistant], [Sudoku Generator and Solver], or [Sudoku Master]. Here are the steps to download and install a ready-made add-in:
Go to the website of your choice and download the add-in file (.xla or .xlam) to your computer.
Open Excel and go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
In the Manage drop-down list, select Excel Add-Ins and click Go.
In the Add-Ins dialog box, click Browse and locate the add-in file you downloaded.
Select the add-in file and click OK.
Check the box next to the add-in name and click OK.
The add-in is now installed and ready to use. You should see a new tab on the ribbon with the name of the add-in.
Generating and solving puzzles with the add-in
Once you have installed the add-in, you can use it to generate and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel. The exact steps may vary depending on the add-in you downloaded, but here are some general steps that apply to most add-ins:
Go to the tab of the add-in on the ribbon and click on Generate Puzzle.
Select the level of difficulty you want for your puzzle (easy, medium, hard, or expert).
A new worksheet will be created with a blank 9x9 grid for your puzzle.
Click on Fill Puzzle to populate the grid with some clues (numbers).
You can print or save the puzzle if you want, or start solving it on the worksheet.
You can use the tools on the ribbon to help you solve the puzzle, such as Check Cell, Hint, Undo, Redo, Clear All, etc.
You can also use the tools on the ribbon to generate a new puzzle, show or hide the solution, change the difficulty level, etc.
How to solve a Sudoku puzzle in Excel
If you already have a Sudoku puzzle that you want to solve in Excel, there are two main ways to do it: using a solver tool, or using pencil marking and logic techniques. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Using a solver tool
One way to solve a Sudoku puzzle in Excel is to use a solver tool that can find the solution for you automatically. You can either download a ready-made solver tool from the internet, or use the built-in solver tool in Excel. Both methods require some knowledge of Excel formulas and functions, but they are not very difficult. Here are the steps to use a solver tool:
Downloading and using the solver tool
If you want to save time and effort, you can download a ready-made solver tool that has all the formulas and features you need to solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel. There are many websites that offer free or paid Sudoku solver tools, such as [Sudoku Solver], [Sudoku Solver XL], or [Sudoku Solver Online]. Here are the steps to download and use a ready-made solver tool:
Go to the website of your choice and download the solver tool file (.xls or .xlsx) to your computer.
Open the file in Excel and enable macros if prompted.
Copy and paste your puzzle into the 9x9 grid on the worksheet.
Click on Solve Puzzle to find the solution.
The solution will be displayed on another 9x9 grid on the worksheet.
You can compare your answers with the cells that have numbers on the Pencil worksheet. This removes 123456789 from all the cells that have clues (numbers).
On the Pencil worksheet, select cell A1. Press Ctrl+H to open the Find and Replace dialog box.
In the Find what box, type 1. In the Replace with box, type nothing (leave it blank). Click Replace All. This removes 1 from all the cells that do not have clues (numbers).
Repeat steps 14 and 15 for all the numbers from 2 to 9. This removes all the numbers from all the cells that do not have clues (numbers).
You have now completed the pencil marking for your puzzle. You should see a grid of cells with small numbers or blanks on the Pencil worksheet.
What are some common logic techniques and how to apply them
Logic techniques are methods that help you eliminate the possible numbers for each cell by using the rules of Sudoku and the information given by the clues and the pencil marks. There are many logic techniques, ranging from simple to complex, but here are some of the most common ones:
Hidden singles: A hidden single is when a number can only go in one cell in a row, column, or subgrid, but it is not obvious because it is hidden by other pencil marks. To find a hidden single, look for a row, column, or subgrid that has only one cell with a certain number in its pencil marks.
Naked pairs: A naked pair is when two cells in a row, column, or subgrid have only two identical numbers in their pencil marks. To use a naked pair, eliminate those two numbers from the pencil marks of all other cells in that row, column, or subgrid.
Locked candidates: A locked candidate is when a number can only go in one row or column within a subgrid, or vice versa. To use a locked candidate, eliminate that number from the pencil marks of all other cells in that row or column outside that subgrid, or vice versa.
X-wing: An X-wing is when two rows (or columns) have only two cells each that can contain a certain number, and those cells are aligned in columns (or rows). To use an X-wing, eliminate that number from the pencil marks of all other cells in those columns (or rows).
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to create and solve Sudoku puzzles in Excel using different methods and tools. We hope you have learned something new and useful, and enjoyed playing Sudoku in Excel. Sudoku is a great way to exercise your brain, have fun, and improve your skills in Excel.
Call to action and resources
If you want to learn more about Sudoku and Excel, here are some resources that you can check out:
[Sudoku.com]: A website that offers free online Sudoku puzzles of different levels and variants.
[Excel Easy]: A website that offers free tutorials and examples on how to use Excel for various purposes.
[Sudoku Wiki]: A website that offers detailed explanations and examples of various Sudoku rules and techniques.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in Sudoku and Excel. You can also leave us a comment below and let us know what you think. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sudoku and Excel:
Q: How do I enable macros in Excel?A: Macros are small programs that automate tasks in Excel. Some of the tools we mentioned in this article use macros to generate and solve Sudoku puzzles. To enable macros in Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings > Enable all macros. Note that macros can be potentially harmful if they come from untrusted sources, so be careful when downloading files that contain macros.
Q: How do I change the font size of the pencil marks?A: If you want to make the pencil marks bigger or smaller, you can change the font size of the cells on the Pencil worksheet. To do this, select all the cells on the Pencil worksheet (Ctrl+A), go to Home > Font > Font Size > Choose your desired size.
Q: How do I print or save my puzzle?A: If you want to print or save your puzzle, you can do so from the Puzzle worksheet. To print your puzzle, go to File > Print > Choose your printer settings > Print. To save your puzzle as a PDF file, go to File > Save As > Browse > Choose PDF as the file type > Save. You can also save your puzzle as an Excel file (.xls or .xlsx) if you want.
Q: How do I change the level of difficulty of my puzzle?A: If you want to change the level of difficulty of your puzzle, you can do so from the tool that you used to create the puzzle. For example, if you used a spreadsheet with formulas, you can change the level of difficulty by selecting a different option from the drop-down list on the worksheet. If you used an add-in with macros, you can change the level of difficulty by clicking on a different button on the ribbon.
Q: How do I create a Sudoku puzzle of a different size or shape?A: If you want to create a Sudoku puzzle of a different size or shape, you can do so by modifying the tool that you used to create the puzzle. For example, if you used a spreadsheet with formulas, you can change the size or shape of the grid by adjusting the rows and columns on the worksheets. If you used an add-in with macros, you can change the size or shape of the grid by choosing a different option from the menu on the ribbon.
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