Puzzles have a unique way of making us stop, think, and often argue with our friends. Some of the most popular brain teasers are the “How many triangles?” challenges. At first glance, they look simple. But as soon as you start counting, you realize the problem is trickier than it seems.
One of the most shared versions of this puzzle involves a square, intersecting lines, and a single question:
👉 “How many triangles can you find?”
Most people give a quick answer, but very few get it right the first time. Let’s walk through the solution step by step.
Why We Struggle With Triangle Puzzles
Our eyes naturally focus on the smallest, most obvious shapes. Once we find a handful of triangles, we feel satisfied and stop searching. The challenge, however, lies in spotting the hidden combinations: when two or more small triangles merge into medium or large ones.
That’s why these puzzles are more than just math — they’re about patience, observation, and careful attention to detail.
Step 1: Counting the Small Triangles
Start with the most obvious shapes. The lines inside the square divide it into clear, individual sections. Each of these sections contains small, visible triangles.
In total, there are 8 small triangles.
Most people stop here, but the puzzle is just getting started.
Step 2: Finding the Medium Triangles
Now, look for combinations. When you join two of the small triangles together, they form a larger, medium-sized triangle.
Since the puzzle is divided into four quadrants, you’ll find 4 medium triangles. These are easy to miss because they aren’t drawn explicitly — they’re hidden in the geometry.
Step 3: Spotting the Large Triangles
Finally, step back and look at the big picture. The outer edges of the square, combined with the intersecting lines, create even larger triangles that span across big portions of the puzzle.
If you search carefully, you’ll find 4 large triangles.
Final Total
Now let’s add them up:
- 8 Small Triangles
- 4 Medium Triangles
- 4 Large Triangles
✅ Final Answer: 16 Triangles
Why This Puzzle Is So Addictive
The beauty of puzzles like this is their simplicity. The figure itself looks harmless, yet it sparks endless debates online. Some people count 8, others 12, some even claim 20 or more. The truth is, without slowing down and categorizing the triangles, it’s easy to miss several.
These puzzles test more than just your math — they test how closely you can observe patterns and how willing you are to look beyond the obvious.
Conclusion
So, how many triangles are in the puzzle? The correct answer is 16.
Here’s the complete solution image with all triangles highlighted and numbered so you can check your count:
Next time you see a puzzle like this, remember: the first answer you see is rarely the full story. Look deeper, and you might just surprise yourself.
