Daily Number Puzzle: a new math puzzle every day
Combine the number tiles with +, −, × and ÷ to make the target number. Three new puzzles every day, from easy to hard.
🧒 Kids: tap a number, tap + − × or ÷, then tap another number. Keep going until you make the target!
How to play
- Pick today’s Easy, Medium or Hard puzzle.
- Tap a number tile, then tap +, −, × or ÷, then tap another tile. The two tiles join into one new tile.
- Keep going until a tile shows the target number. Undo takes back your last move.
- Solve at least one puzzle a day to keep your streak going, then copy your result to share it.
Want more? Switch to Practice for unlimited puzzles at any level.
What your child practices
Every puzzle is a small problem-solving task. Children have to try ideas, estimate, notice that 8 × 6 is close to 50, and work backwards from the target. That builds the number sense behind multi-step problems (4.OA.A.3).
It also builds fluency without feeling like drill. A child who solves three puzzles has done 10 or more calculations, and chosen each one for a reason.
The three levels
| Level | Tiles and operations | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 4 tiles from 1 to 10, adding and subtracting, targets up to 40 | Grades 3–4 |
| Medium | 5 tiles up to 25, adding, subtracting and multiplying | Grades 4–6 |
| Hard | 6 tiles up to 75, all four operations | Grades 5–8 |
Tips for solving
- Look for a big number close to the target first, then fix the difference.
- Multiplying two tiles often gets you near the target in one move.
- Work backwards: if the target is 36, can you make 6 and 6, or 4 and 9?
- Stuck? Undo a few moves and try a different first step.
In the classroom
Use the daily puzzle as a morning warm-up: show it on the projector, give pairs three minutes, then compare solutions. Because everyone gets the same puzzle, children can talk about the ways they found.
For written practice, the printable worksheets and the math test generator cover the same skills.
More free math games
- Times Table Blaster: shoot the asteroid with the right product.
- Make 10 Pop: pop two bubbles that make 10.
- Fraction Frog: hop to fractions on a number line.
- Clock Catch: read clocks and set the hands.
- Coin Shop: count coins, pay and make change.
- Alligator Snap: compare numbers with greater than and less than.
- Place Value Pirates: count treasure in ones, tens and hundreds.
- Games by topic: addition · subtraction · multiplication · division · fractions · decimals · percents
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How does the Daily Number Puzzle work?
Each day there are three puzzles: easy, medium and hard. Tap two number tiles and an operation to combine them into one new tile. Keep combining until one tile shows the target number.
Do I have to use every number?
No. You can use as many or as few tiles as you like. Each tile can be used only once, but the new tile you make can be used again.
Is there always an answer?
Yes. Every puzzle is built from a real solution, so it can always be solved. If you get stuck, tap Show a solution to see one way, though there are often others.
Is the puzzle the same for everyone?
Yes. Everyone gets the same three puzzles on the same day, so families and classes can compare. A new set arrives at midnight.
What grade is the Daily Number Puzzle for?
Easy suits grades 3 and 4, medium suits grades 4 to 6, and hard suits grades 5 to 8. Adults enjoy it too.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free, with no sign-up and no ads. Your streak is saved only in this browser.