Slide PuzzleSlide Puzzle Solver
Enter the board in front of you. We'll check it, find a solution, and show you one move at a time.
3×3 shortest path · 4×4 valid path · Runs in your browserTap a square and type its number. Enter 0 for the blank.
- Enter 9 remaining cells, including the blank square.
Free Slide Puzzle Solver — Step by Step
Stuck on a sliding puzzle and can't figure out the next move? This free slide puzzle solver does the thinking for you. Set up your board — the classic 3x3 or the larger 4x4 — tap Solve, and follow the solution one move at a time. No sign-up, no download, no ads, and it runs right in your browser.
How to Use the Slide Puzzle Solver
Using it takes less than a minute for a simple board:
- Choose 3x3 or 4x4 to match your puzzle.
- Enter your current board. Select a square and type its number, use the on-screen number pad, or paste the whole sequence. Tap Random example to try it out.
- Tap Solve and follow one move at a time. Use Next, Prev, Play, Pause, or Restart to control the playback.
How to Solve a Slide Puzzle
The solver can show every move, but understanding the method helps too. For a solvable 3x3 board, finish the top row, then the left column, and finally rotate the remaining 2x2 area. A 4x4 puzzle needs additional row and column placements, so these three steps are a 3x3 guide.
Solve the top row
Place 1 in the top-left corner, then bring 2 and 3 into the top row as a pair. Once the row reads 1, 2, 3, keep it fixed.
Finish the left column
Place 4 and 7 beneath 1 without disturbing the top row. The five tiles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 are now in place.
Rotate the last 2x2
Only 5, 6, 8, and the blank remain in the bottom-right 2x2 area. Move a tile next to the blank around this small loop until all three numbers land in place.
If the last two tiles are the only pieces swapped in an otherwise finished board, stop: that arrangement is unsolvable by sliding. The solver checks this before searching.
What Does “Unsolvable” Mean?
A 3x3 slide puzzle has 362,880 possible arrangements, but only half — 181,440 — can reach the standard goal by sliding. Swapping any two numbered tiles in a solvable board makes it impossible to solve with legal moves. If the solver says your board is unsolvable, check your entry first. If two physical pieces were exchanged, swap them back and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the slide puzzle solver handle 4x4 puzzles?
Yes. The solver supports 3x3 and 4x4 numbered boards. Switch the grid size before entering your current position.
How do I set up my board?
Select each square and type its number, choose a number from the on-screen pad, or paste the whole board. Use 0 for the blank. Tap Random example to try a solvable board without entering one.
Is the solution the shortest possible?
For 3x3 puzzles, yes. The solver returns a shortest path. For 4x4 puzzles, it returns a valid path that is not guaranteed to be shortest; difficult boards can take longer or time out.
What if my puzzle is unsolvable?
The solver detects an impossible numbered arrangement before searching. Check that you entered each tile correctly. If two pieces were physically swapped, put them back and try again.
Can the slide puzzle solver solve a picture puzzle?
No. This solver accepts numbered 3x3 and 4x4 boards. The Bubbles and Sunset picture puzzles are available to play on the home page.
Is the slide puzzle solver free?
Yes. It is free, requires no account or download, and has no ads. Boards are solved in your browser and are not uploaded.
Prefer to play? After you've solved your puzzle, head back and play slide puzzle online for free. Beat the timer and challenge your best score.