Magic Square Calculator

Generate Perfect Magic Squares

Generate magic squares where all rows, columns, and diagonals sum to the same magic constant.

Generate Magic Square

Enter between 3 and 15 (size 2 does not exist)

Magic Constant Formula:
M = n(n² + 1) / 2
All rows, columns, and diagonals sum to M

What is a Magic Square?

A magic square is an n×n grid filled with distinct numbers such that all rows, columns, and diagonals sum to the same value.

Properties:

• Contains numbers 1 to n²

• All rows sum to M

• All columns sum to M

• Both diagonals sum to M

Magic Constant:

M = n(n² + 1) / 2

Features

  • Generate 3×3 to 15×15 squares
  • Odd order algorithm (Siamese)
  • Doubly even algorithm
  • Singly even algorithm
  • Automatic verification
  • Sum calculations
  • Copy to clipboard
  • Download as text file

Types

Odd Order:

n = 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15...

Uses Siamese method

Doubly Even:

n = 4, 8, 12...

Divisible by 4

Singly Even:

n = 6, 10, 14...

Even but not divisible by 4

History

Ancient China:

Lo Shu square (3×3) from 650 BC

India:

Used in astrology and architecture

Islamic World:

Advanced mathematical studies

Europe:

Dürer's Melencolia I (1514)

Applications

  • Mathematical puzzles and games
  • Recreational mathematics
  • Number theory research
  • Cryptography and coding theory
  • Statistical design of experiments
  • Art and architecture
  • Educational tools
  • Cultural and historical studies

Famous Magic Squares

Notable Examples:

Lo Shu (3×3):

Oldest known magic square, M = 15

Dürer's Square (4×4):

Featured in Melencolia I, M = 34

Franklin's Square (8×8):

Benjamin Franklin's creation, M = 260

Ramanujan's Square:

Contains his birth date