Last Free Cell

This is a simple strategy that relies on identifying units where only one cell is empty.


  1. The Sudoku grid consists of rows, columns, and 3×3 blocks. We will refer to these parts (rows, columns, and blocks) as “units.”
Sudoku General Rules

  1. To find the cell with the last remaining number, check which numbers are already present in the row, column, and block.
Last free cell example in a Sudoku row, column and block

  1. Therefore, if there is only one free cell left in a unit, it is easy to determine which number from 1 to 9 is missing.
Last Free Cell technique applied to a Sudoku grid