4x4 Math Cage Puzzles
4x4 Math Cage Puzzles: free printable math cage puzzles (like KenKen) with an answer key. Use 1 to 4 once in each row and column. The numbers in each thick cage must make the target with the sign shown. Great for ages 6 to 8, early finishers and math centers.
- Size
- US Letter (8.5 × 11 in), fits A4
- 2 pages: the puzzle and its answer key
- Level
- Easy
- License
- Free for personal & classroom use
About this puzzle
Free printable math cage puzzles (like KenKen) with an answer key. Use 1 to 4 once in each row and column. The numbers in each thick cage must make the target with the sign shown. It is an easy puzzle page, a great first try for ages 6 to 8. List every pair that makes a cage target before writing anything in.
On this sheet
4 puzzles: puzzle 1 has 7 cages (6+, 4+, 4, 7+, 7+, 8×, 6×); puzzle 2 has 8 cages (7+, 2-, 9+, 24×, 1, 4, 3+, 3); puzzle 3 has 8 cages (2-, 1-, 24×, 1-, 1, 2×, 12×, 2-); puzzle 4 has 8 cages (8×, 5+, 6+, 4÷, 6×, 3, 5+, 3).
Tips for using it
- Fill the single-cell cages first: they are free numbers.
- Start with the easiest clue or the fullest row, column or box.
- Never guess: if you are stuck, look for one more thing you know for sure.
- Use a pencil and keep an eraser handy.
Printing tips
Download the PDF and print at 100% (or “fit to page” on A4). Page 1 is the puzzle and page 2 is the answer key with the answers in red; print just page 1 if you want to keep the answers for checking. The PNG shows page 1 only. Free for personal, family and classroom use.
