What is cross nerdle?
Cross nerdle is a daily math crossword. Instead of filling in words, you fill in numbers and operators to complete a grid of interlocking calculations. Every row across and every column down must form a valid equation (e.g. 4*3+2=14).
Some squares are pre-filled to get you started. Using logic and deduction, you work out what the missing digits and symbols must be. There’s only one possible solution for each puzzle.
Unlike classic nerdle there are no colour-coded clues. Instead, you can peek (the 👀 button shows which of your entries are correct or incorrect) or reveal a single tile (the 🎁 button) if you get stuck. You start with 6 points and lose one for each peek or reveal, so there’s an incentive to solve unaided.
How it works
- Look at the pre-filled squares and work out which rows or columns are most constrained.
- Enter digits and operators using the on-screen keyboard or your computer keys. Use ↪️ to clear the last cell.
- Standard order of operations applies – × and ÷ before + and −.
- A couple of extra rules: calculations longer than 3 characters must have an operator before the equals sign, and numbers can’t start with a leading zero (the only exception is
=0at the end or0=0).
Monday to Sunday difficulty
Following the crossword tradition, cross nerdle puzzles are easiest on Monday and get progressively harder through the week. Sunday is the toughest. If you’re new to cross nerdle, start on a Monday to get the feel for it.
There’s also an unlimited practice mode if you want more than one puzzle a day.
How is cross nerdle different from classic nerdle?
Classic nerdle blends strategy, logic and a little luck – like Wordle, but with more scope for logical reasoning. Cross nerdle is a pure deduction puzzle, closer to a crossword for number fans. The grid and its constraints give you enough information to work out every missing square through logic alone – no guessing required.
If you enjoy cross nerdle, you might also like maffdoku (a 1–9 grid puzzle using sum and product clues) or 2d nerdle (nerdle expanded into two dimensions). Cross nerdle is also available as a puzzle book.