Use this Killer Sudoku cage combination calculator to find all valid non-repeating digit combinations for any cage size and target sum.
What are Killer Sudoku cage combinations?
In Killer Sudoku, each dashed cage has a target sum. The numbers inside the cage must add up to that sum, and numbers cannot repeat inside the same cage.
How to use this calculator
Choose the number of cells in the cage, enter the target sum, and the calculator will show all valid non-repeating combinations using digits 1 to 9.
Common Killer Sudoku Cage Combinations
Some cage sums show up often enough that it is worth remembering their valid digit sets. Small cages and edge sums are especially useful because they narrow the search quickly.
- 2 cells, sum 3: 1 + 2
- 2 cells, sum 4: 1 + 3
- 2 cells, sum 5: 1 + 4, 2 + 3
- 2 cells, sum 10: 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6
- 2 cells, sum 17: 8 + 9
- 3 cells, sum 6: 1 + 2 + 3
- 3 cells, sum 7: 1 + 2 + 4
- 3 cells, sum 10: 1 + 2 + 7, 1 + 3 + 6, 1 + 4 + 5, 2 + 3 + 5
- 3 cells, sum 24: 7 + 8 + 9
- 4 cells, sum 10: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4
- 4 cells, sum 11: 1 + 2 + 3 + 5
- 4 cells, sum 30: 6 + 7 + 8 + 9
Example
For a 2-cell cage with a sum of 5, the possible combinations are 1 + 4 and 2 + 3.
Tips for solving Killer Sudoku
- Start with small cages.
- Use combinations to reduce candidates.
- Do not guess too early.
- Combine cage information with row, column, and 3x3 box rules.
Killer Sudoku Cage Combination FAQ
Can numbers repeat in a Killer Sudoku cage?
No. Numbers cannot repeat inside the same cage, even if the cage crosses different rows, columns, or boxes.
What is the minimum cage sum?
It depends on the number of cells. For example, a 2-cell cage has a minimum sum of 3 using 1 + 2, and a 3-cell cage has a minimum sum of 6 using 1 + 2 + 3.
What is the maximum cage sum?
It depends on the number of cells. A 2-cell cage can go up to 17 using 8 + 9, and a 3-cell cage can go up to 24 using 7 + 8 + 9.
How do cage combinations help solve Killer Sudoku?
They reduce the possible digits for a cage. You can then compare those digits with row, column, and 3x3 box restrictions.
Is order important in cage combinations?
No. 1 + 4 and 4 + 1 are the same combination.
What is a single-combination cage?
A single-combination cage has only one possible digit set, such as 2 cells sum 3 = 1 + 2 or 4 cells sum 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4.
Related links
If you want to go beyond raw combinations, these guides can help you apply the patterns in real puzzles.