Can spot every square? This brain teaser stumps most people
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At first glance, it seems simple enough: a grid of squares, nothing too fancy.
But this classic brain puzzle has left even seasoned problem-solvers second-guessing themselves.
If you love a good mental challenge—or just want to keep your brain sharp—you might want to give this one a try before reading further.
It may remind you of those tricky picture puzzles you’d see in the back of a magazine, or the ones your grandkids send you from social media.
The rules are simple, but the execution? Not so much.
The challenge is to count every square you see, from the smallest to the most cleverly hidden.
The challenge: how many squares can you find?
Picture a basic grid. Now, look for every possible square—not just the obvious ones.
That includes:
Once you’ve got your number, lock in your guess before scrolling down.
Most people don't get the full count on their first try!
Also read: Can you solve this quick math puzzle without making the common mistake?
The answer revealed: 40 squares total
Did you come close? The correct answer is 40 squares.
That’s right—this seemingly simple puzzle hides far more than meets the eye.
If you guessed anything lower, you’re not alone.
Most people only find 20 to 30 on their first try.
So, where are those extra 10 or so? Let’s take a closer look.
Also read: Are you smarter than the internet? Try solving this math puzzle that's baffling everyone online!
How to count squares like a puzzle pro
To tackle puzzles like this, it helps to know what qualifies as a square: four sides of equal length and four right angles.
Unlike rectangles, where side lengths can vary, squares demand perfect symmetry.
Here’s how the count adds up:
Still not sure how it adds up to 40? You can use a little math trick to help!
Also read: Think you're smarter than a 5-year-old? This kindergarten homework puzzle has stumped PhDs!
The math trick: adding squares in a grid
For any grid that’s n x n, you can find the total number of squares using this formula:
1² + 2² + 3² + … + n²
So in a 4x4 grid, that’s:
1² (1) + 2² (4) + 3² (9) + 4² (16) = 30
But this puzzle isn’t just a standard grid.
Designers added bonus squares—those sneaky overlaps and nested patterns—bringing the total to 40.
That’s what makes this puzzle extra fun (and frustrating)!
Also read: It looks easy… but can you crack the code in 45 seconds?
Why square puzzles are sneakier than they look
Unlike rectangle puzzles, where any four-sided shape with right angles counts, square-only puzzles demand exact visual precision.
You need to spot only the figures with four equal-length sides, which can easily get lost in a crowded image.
That’s why puzzles like this make for great brain workouts—they test both patience and perception.
Why brain teasers like this are worth your time
Aside from being a fun way to pass the time, puzzles can help keep your mind agile.
Studies have shown that games like this one may support memory retention, focus, and long-term cognitive health.
Even just a few minutes of puzzling a day can make a difference—plus, it’s a great activity to enjoy with grandkids or friends.
Read next: Can you outsmart 98% of people and crack Einstein’s legendary riddle?
Think you cracked the full 40? Or did a few hide in plain sight? We’d love to hear how you did—and if you’ve got any clever strategies or other brainteasers you’d like us to feature next time, drop them in the comments!
But this classic brain puzzle has left even seasoned problem-solvers second-guessing themselves.
If you love a good mental challenge—or just want to keep your brain sharp—you might want to give this one a try before reading further.
It may remind you of those tricky picture puzzles you’d see in the back of a magazine, or the ones your grandkids send you from social media.
The rules are simple, but the execution? Not so much.
The challenge is to count every square you see, from the smallest to the most cleverly hidden.
This classic puzzle looks simple at first, but hidden squares make it a real brain teaser. Image Source: YouTube / Matt Simkins.
The challenge: how many squares can you find?
Picture a basic grid. Now, look for every possible square—not just the obvious ones.
That includes:
- Tiny individual squares
- Medium squares made from 2x2 or 3x3 sections
- The large square that frames the entire grid
- Overlapping and nested squares that may be harder to spot
Once you’ve got your number, lock in your guess before scrolling down.
Most people don't get the full count on their first try!
The answer revealed: 40 squares total
Did you come close? The correct answer is 40 squares.
That’s right—this seemingly simple puzzle hides far more than meets the eye.
If you guessed anything lower, you’re not alone.
Most people only find 20 to 30 on their first try.
So, where are those extra 10 or so? Let’s take a closer look.
Also read: Are you smarter than the internet? Try solving this math puzzle that's baffling everyone online!
How to count squares like a puzzle pro
To tackle puzzles like this, it helps to know what qualifies as a square: four sides of equal length and four right angles.
Unlike rectangles, where side lengths can vary, squares demand perfect symmetry.
Here’s how the count adds up:
- Count all the 1x1 squares
- Then look for all the 2x2, 3x3, and so on
- Finally, check for hidden or overlapping squares, especially toward the center
Still not sure how it adds up to 40? You can use a little math trick to help!
Also read: Think you're smarter than a 5-year-old? This kindergarten homework puzzle has stumped PhDs!
The math trick: adding squares in a grid
For any grid that’s n x n, you can find the total number of squares using this formula:
1² + 2² + 3² + … + n²
So in a 4x4 grid, that’s:
1² (1) + 2² (4) + 3² (9) + 4² (16) = 30
But this puzzle isn’t just a standard grid.
Designers added bonus squares—those sneaky overlaps and nested patterns—bringing the total to 40.
That’s what makes this puzzle extra fun (and frustrating)!
Also read: It looks easy… but can you crack the code in 45 seconds?
Why square puzzles are sneakier than they look
Unlike rectangle puzzles, where any four-sided shape with right angles counts, square-only puzzles demand exact visual precision.
You need to spot only the figures with four equal-length sides, which can easily get lost in a crowded image.
That’s why puzzles like this make for great brain workouts—they test both patience and perception.
Why brain teasers like this are worth your time
Aside from being a fun way to pass the time, puzzles can help keep your mind agile.
Studies have shown that games like this one may support memory retention, focus, and long-term cognitive health.
Even just a few minutes of puzzling a day can make a difference—plus, it’s a great activity to enjoy with grandkids or friends.
Read next: Can you outsmart 98% of people and crack Einstein’s legendary riddle?
Think you cracked the full 40? Or did a few hide in plain sight? We’d love to hear how you did—and if you’ve got any clever strategies or other brainteasers you’d like us to feature next time, drop them in the comments!
