Free · No sign-up · Phone and computer
15 Puzzle OnlineSlide the tiles to put the numbers in order
Tap any tile in the gap’s row or column and every tile up to it slides at once. Arrange 1, 2, 3… from the top left with the gap in the bottom right to finish. The timer starts with your first move.
The timer starts when you move a tile
Time
0:00.00
When you solve the puzzle, the score is collected anonymously. No name is sent.
How to play the 15 puzzle
- Choose a board size: 3×3, 4×4 or 5×5. 4×4 is the classic 15 puzzle.
- Tap a tile in the same row or column as the gap to slide it. On a computer you can also use the arrow keys.
- Put the numbers in order from the top left and leave the bottom-right square empty. Your time and moves are shown.
The 15 puzzle appeared in the United States in the 1870s and became a worldwide craze around 1880. It is known mathematically that exactly half of all random arrangements can never be solved. This page only deals arrangements that can be solved.
Rating guide
The ratings are this site’s own guide for play in a web browser. It is normal to take a while at first, so just enjoy it.
| Rating | 3×3 | 4×4 | 5×5 | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very fast | < 0:15 | < 1:00 | < 3:00 | You clearly know a solving method. |
| Fast | 0:15–0:30 | 1:00–2:00 | 3:00–6:00 | Clearly faster than typical. |
| Typical | 0:30–1:00 | 2:00–4:00 | 6:00–10:00 | About the same pace as most people. |
| Thoughtful | 1:00–2:00 | 4:00–7:00 | 10:00–15:00 | Try solving the top row first, then the next. |
| Steady | ≥ 2:00 | ≥ 7:00 | ≥ 15:00 | Finishing is an achievement! Read the solving tips below. |
Why your time changes
- Board size: A 3×3 board can take under a minute, but a 5×5 board has 24 tiles and takes much longer. Personal bests and statistics are kept per size.
- Knowing a method: Knowing the standard approach of solving row by row greatly reduces the time spent wandering.
- The deal: The starting arrangement changes how many moves you need.
- Handling speed: Getting used to sliding several tiles at once speeds up your hands.
How to solve it
- Solve the top row (1–4) first, then leave it alone.
- Solve the second row next. When two rows remain, solve them column by column from the left.
- For the last two tiles of a row (for example 3 and 4), place 4 directly under 3, then rotate them into place together.
- Get comfortable on 3×3 before trying 4×4 or 5×5.
Frequently asked questions
What is an average time?
On 4×4 it is not unusual for first-timers to take several minutes or even more than 10. This page treats 2–4 minutes on 4×4 as “typical”. Once you learn a method, many people solve it in under two minutes.
Is every puzzle solvable?
Yes. Half of random arrangements of a 15 puzzle are unsolvable, but this page only deals solvable ones.
What is the fewest number of moves?
Any 4×4 arrangement is known to be solvable within 80 moves. Finding the shortest solution is very hard, though, and people usually take around 100–300 moves.
What if I leave the page?
The board stays as it is and you can continue when you come back. The clock keeps running while you are away.
Is my result sent anywhere?
When you solve the puzzle, the score calculated from your time, the time itself, the board size, your device type (computer, phone or tablet) and the page language are sent. Solves longer than five minutes are not sent. No name or email is collected, and IP addresses are not stored with scores. Your personal best is stored only in this browser.