Hard Sudoku to print (free PDF)
Download free hard Sudoku puzzles to print in PDF, ready for A4 or US Letter. A serious workout for experienced solvers.
Sudoku book (PDF)
Download the free sudoku book in PDF: 20, 60 or 120 puzzles, with the solutions in a separate PDF. Ready to print on A4 or US Letter.
What to print
Orientation
Content
Sample puzzles
3
4
8
6
1
7
2
3
2
1
4
6
2
7
5
2
4
8
8
7
9
1
3
2
9
6
1
2
7
3
1
9
2
5
3
6
2
5
6
7
9
4
2
7
3
8
8
6
9
4
9
1
6
9
2
1
7
6
9
4
1
9
3
7
9
2
2
9
8
4
2
3
5
9
3
1
4
3
5
6
3
2
6
5
1
8
1
2
5
6
4
9
5
7
5
9
4
7
5
3
8
2
7
8
4
6
9
1
6
4
8
5
3
6
1
8
7
1
4
3
6
5
6
9
1
4
1
5
1
5
9
3
3
4
7
9
9
6
8
4
7
4
9
2
9
3
3
5
5
7
1
3
6
2
3
5
8
8
6
4
4
1
Why these puzzles?
A hard Sudoku starts from about 26–28 clues, so scanning alone rarely cracks it. You will rely on candidate notes and techniques like naked or hidden pairs to make progress.
How to print
Pick how many puzzles and the paper size, then press "Generate PDF". Six puzzles per page by default; check yourself with the separate solutions PDF.
Solving tips
Fill in candidates fully, then hunt for pairs and triples that eliminate other candidates in the same row, column or box.
Frequently asked questions
What techniques do hard Sudoku need?
Beyond scanning, expect naked/hidden pairs and triples and pointing pairs — but not the most extreme chains.
How many starting clues do hard Sudoku have?
About 26–28, so scanning alone rarely cracks them — keep full candidate notes from the start.
How is hard different from very hard or evil?
Hard needs pairs, triples and pointing pairs; very hard and evil add the most extreme chains and far fewer clues.