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Number snake puzzle online. Connect neighbouring numbers into one snake so the sum is exactly the target. A simple number path puzzle for adults, free and printable.

Try also: Guess the number game »

Number snake puzzles with answers PDF

If you prefer solving puzzles on paper, you can print the same number snake puzzle with answers. The printable version includes the puzzle on the first page and an answer key on the next page.

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Printable number path puzzles

The printable version uses the puzzle currently shown above, so you can start online and then continue on paper if you prefer.

You can print it directly from your browser or save it as a PDF. The answer key is included on the second page, which also makes these puzzles useful for sharing with family, friends, or a small puzzle group.

How to play the number snake puzzle

The idea is simple: create one connected path through the grid and make the numbers in your path add up to the target. The addition is usually easy. Finding the right route is the interesting part.

Number snake rules

1. Tap or click any number to start. Then choose a neighbouring square to continue your snake.

   

2. You can move up, down, left, or right. Diagonal moves are not allowed.

3. Each square can be used only once. Your snake cannot return to a number that is already part of the path.

4. Keep an eye on the total below the grid. As you add squares, you will see the numbers written as an addition so you always know your current sum.

5. Your goal is to reach the target exactly. If your total is too high or you want to try another route, use Clear snake and start again.

6. When your snake reaches the correct total, the selected squares turn green. If you get stuck, you can also reveal one possible solution.

What is a number snake puzzle?

A number snake puzzle is a small grid filled with numbers and a target sum. You have to find a connected path through the grid whose numbers add up to that target.

The path can twist around the board, which is where the name "number snake" comes from. You are not solving a complicated equation. Instead, you are deciding which numbers to use and which direction to take next.

That is what I like about this type of puzzle. A route may look promising at first and then leave you one or two points short. Sometimes changing just one square is enough to find a completely different solution.

There may be more than one correct path. Any snake that follows the movement rules, does not repeat a square, and reaches the target exactly is a valid solution.

Number puzzles for adults

Number snakes are a nice choice if you enjoy brain teasers but do not want pages of calculations. Like number pyramid puzzles, they use simple addition but still require a little planning.

I find them especially suitable for a short puzzle break because you can understand the rules almost immediately and start experimenting with different routes.

You may enjoy number snake puzzles if you like:

• quick mental addition
• looking for patterns and possible routes
• short number challenges
• printable puzzles that do not require complicated instructions

The challenge is not simply adding the numbers. It is choosing a path that reaches the target without trapping your snake along the way.

Easy and hard number snake puzzles

You can play the number snake in two difficulty levels: Easy and Hard.

Easy: The Easy game uses a 4 × 4 grid with a target usually around 20. The smaller board makes it easier to see possible paths, so this is a good place to start if the puzzle is new to you.

Hard: The Hard game uses a 5 × 5 grid with a target around 30. There are more numbers to choose from and many more possible routes, so it usually takes a little more trial and error.

You can switch between Easy and Hard at any time. Each new game creates a fresh grid and a new target, so you can play as many different number snakes as you like.