Number Slide
Time
00:00
Moves
0
Streak
0
Wins
0
Grid
1
2
3
4
5
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15
Tap or swipe any tile in the same row or column to slide it. You can also use Arrow keys or WASD.
Number Slide Puzzle
Number Slide is the classic sliding tile puzzle, free to play right in your browser. The board is a grid of numbered tiles with one empty space. Slide tiles into the gap to rearrange them until every number is in order, from 1 in the top-left corner to the highest number, with the empty space in the bottom-right. It's simple to learn and surprisingly hard to master.
How to Play
- Tap or click any tile next to the empty space to slide it into the gap.
- Keep sliding tiles to move numbers toward their correct positions.
- Arrange all tiles in order, reading left to right, top to bottom.
- The puzzle is solved when every number is in place and the empty space is in the bottom-right corner.
- Try to finish in as few moves as possible.
How to Solve a Number Slide Puzzle
You don't need luck to solve a sliding block puzzle — just a method. Work in layers so finished parts never get disturbed:
- Solve the top row first. Place tiles 1, 2 and 3 (and 4 on a 4x4 board) and leave them alone.
- Solve the left column next. Once the first row and column are done, you're left with a smaller puzzle.
- Repeat the same approach on the remaining smaller grid.
- Finish the last 2x2 block by rotating the three tiles around the empty space until they drop into place.
Tip: The last tile of each row is the trickiest. Move it into position just below its target spot first, then slide it up into place.
Grid Sizes
- 3x3 slide puzzle (8 tiles): quick and great for beginners.
- 4x4 slide puzzle (15 tiles): the classic "15 puzzle", a real test of planning.
- 5x5 (24 tiles): for experienced players who want a long challenge.
Why Play Number Slide on Puzzit
- Free and unlimited, with no download or sign-up.
- Works on desktop, tablet and mobile.
- Every board is solvable.
- Tracks your moves so you can beat your best.
- Great brain training for logic, planning and spatial thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a number slide puzzle?
A number slide puzzle is a grid of numbered tiles with one empty space. You slide tiles into the empty space to put the numbers back in order. The 4x4 version with 15 tiles is known as the 15 puzzle.
Is every number slide puzzle solvable?
No. Only half of all random tile arrangements can be solved. Puzzit only generates solvable boards, so every puzzle you play can be finished.
What is the fastest way to solve a slide puzzle?
Solve it in layers: finish the top row, then the left column, and repeat on the smaller grid that's left. Save the last 2x2 block for the end and rotate the tiles around the empty space.
How do you solve a 3x3 slide puzzle?
Place tiles 1, 2 and 3 in the top row, then 4 and 7 in the left column. The remaining tiles 5, 6 and 8 can then be rotated around the empty space until they fall into order.
Who invented the number slide puzzle?
The 15 puzzle was invented in the 1870s by Noyes Chapman, a postmaster in New York. It became a worldwide craze in 1880.
Can I play Number Slide on my phone?
Yes. Number Slide works in any modern mobile browser. Just tap a tile to slide it.
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