How to Play Shikaku: Rules, Strategy & Free Puzzles
Shikaku is a partition puzzle on a grid dotted with numbers. You split the whole grid into rectangles so that each rectangle contains exactly one number, and that number equals the rectangle's area in cells. Every cell belongs to exactly one rectangle, with no overlaps and nothing left over.
- Skill: Area partitioning & deduction
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- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to play Shikaku
- One number per rectangle. Each rectangle must contain exactly one of the given numbers.
- Area equals the number. A rectangle's width × height must equal the number inside it.
- Cover everything once. Every cell belongs to exactly one rectangle — no gaps and no overlaps.
- Only rectangles. Regions must be perfect rectangles or squares, never L-shapes.
Shikaku strategy & tips
- A prime number can only form a 1×N strip, so its shape is limited to one row or column.
- A 1 is always its own single cell — mark those first to fence off their neighbours.
- Where two numbers compete for the same cells, the rectangle that would swallow the other number is impossible.
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Shikaku FAQ
What does the number in Shikaku mean?
It is the area of the rectangle that must contain it — a 6 sits inside a rectangle of exactly six cells, such as 2×3 or 1×6.
Can regions be non-rectangular?
No. Every region in Shikaku must be a rectangle or a square; irregular shapes are not allowed.
Related puzzles
Reference: Shikaku on Wikipedia