Cryptarithm

How to play cryptarithms

• A cryptarithm (also called an alphametic or verbal arithmetic) is a sum where the digits have been replaced by letters. The same letter always stands for the same digit, and different letters stand for different digits. Work out the digit behind every letter to make the sum correct.
• “Words” puzzles are classic alphametics like SEND + MORE = MONEY: two English words add up to a third. No digits are given. The other types use the letters A to K in addition, subtraction and multiplication.
• Tap a letter to select it, then tap a digit. The digit fills in every copy of that letter. Each digit button shows the letter that is using it.
• A number never starts with 0. Digits already shown in the puzzle are letters that have been revealed for you, so no other letter can use them.
• Every puzzle is built to have exactly one solution.
• Stuck? “Hint” turns any wrong letters red. If nothing is wrong, it reveals one letter (the selected letter, if it is still empty).
• On a computer, press a letter key to select that letter and a number key to fill it in. Use the arrow keys to move, Backspace to clear and Ctrl+Z to undo.

How to solve cryptarithms

When two numbers are added and the answer has one more digit, its first letter is 1. Start from the ones column, where nothing is carried in, and remember that adding two numbers carries at most 1. These clues pin down the letters one by one. The famous SEND + MORE = MONEY (answer: 9567 + 1085 = 10652) is solved step by step in the guide below.

• How to solve cryptarithmsSEND + MORE = MONEY and addition, subtraction and multiplication examples, solved one letter at a time. Plus a free cryptarithm solver

Puzzle types and levels

Every type comes in four levels. Word puzzles have no digits shown: Easy uses 4–5 different letters, Medium 6–7, Hard 8 and Expert 9–10. There are 200 word puzzles at each level, all checked to have exactly one solution. Addition, subtraction and multiplication puzzles are made fresh every time, so you never run out.

• Easier levels show a few digits to get you started. Expert puzzles show few or none, like classic cryptarithms.
• When you multiply by a two-digit number, the puzzle also shows the partial products, as in long multiplication on paper.

Daily puzzles

• Every type and level has its own daily puzzle (16 in all). Everyone gets the same puzzles, and new ones arrive once a day at midnight Japan time (15:00 UTC).
• When you pick a type or level whose daily puzzle you haven’t solved, you get the daily puzzle first. After that, or when you press “New”, you can play as many other puzzles as you like.
• Solve the daily puzzle every day to build a streak.

Your puzzle is saved as you play, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off.