At first glance, it looks simple. A clean yellow background, a grid-like shape, and a straightforward question:
“How many squares are in this picture?”
If your instinct was to quickly answer “16” or “20,” you’re not alone. Most people make a guess based on the most obvious squares they see. But this isn’t just a visual question—it’s a test of observation, logic, and pattern recognition. And to find the correct answer, you’ll need to go deeper.
Let’s break it down together.
🧠 The Puzzle Explained
You’re presented with a large square divided into smaller squares. At first glance, it looks like a simple 4×4 grid. But hidden within that grid—and within the overlapping lines—are more squares than you’d expect.
Your job is to count every single square, including:
- Small ones
- Medium ones
- Large ones
- Hidden or overlapping ones
Sound easy? Think again.
Video: How Many Squares Are There? Puzzle Solution.
🔍 Step-by-Step Breakdown: Counting Every Square
To find the full answer, you need to count squares based on their size and position. Let’s walk through them logically:
✅ 1. Small 1×1 squares
This is the simplest part. The grid is 4 squares across and 4 squares down.
👉 4 × 4 = 16 small squares
✅ 2. Medium 2×2 squares
These are made up of four 1×1 squares grouped together. You can find a 2×2 square in every 3×3 region of the grid.
👉 There are 3 possible positions horizontally and 3 vertically.
👉 3 × 3 = 9 medium squares
✅ 3. Larger 3×3 squares
These are formed by nine small squares (a 3×3 block). You can fit these only in 2×2 regions.
👉 2 × 2 = 4 large squares
✅ 4. The largest square (4×4)
That’s the outer border itself. One big square enclosing all the others.
👉 1 square
✅ 5. Central outlined squares (faint, lighter lines)
If you look closely, there are two sets of overlapping outlined squares in the center of the grid—one in the top half, one in the bottom.
Each set contains:
- 1 small square
- 1 larger square around it
👉 That gives 2 squares per set × 2 sets = 4 squares
So far, we have:
16 + 9 + 4 + 1 + 4 = 34 squares
But we’re not done yet.
Video: How many squares do you see? – The answer..
👀 Hidden Geometry: The Overlooked Squares
This is where most people stop counting. But if you observe carefully, there’s more.
Each central outlined shape actually contains 3 nested squares—one small, one medium, and one overlapping the inner edges of the grid. That means:
👉 3 squares per set × 2 sets = 6 squares, not 4 as we originally counted.
Let’s adjust our count:
16 + 9 + 4 + 1 + 6 = 36 squares
But here’s the final trick.
At the very center of the entire grid, four of the smallest 1×1 squares come together to form a square made of four individual blocks—a composite square most people miss.
👉 That’s +1 hidden square
✅ Final Total: 37 Squares
So there you have it. The final, accurate count is:
👉 37 total squares
🎯 Why This Puzzle Matters
This isn’t just about counting boxes. It’s about:
- Looking past the obvious
- Challenging visual assumptions
- Breaking down complex problems step by step
It tests your patience, attention to detail, and logical thinking—all through one image and a simple question.
In a world of fast scrolling and quick answers, puzzles like these remind us of the value in slowing down, thinking critically, and seeing what others miss.
💡 Conclusion: How Sharp Are Your Eyes?
If you guessed 16 or 25—you’re not wrong to think it’s tricky. But if you spotted all 37 squares, congratulations! You’ve just proven that you don’t just look—you observe.
Next time you face a visual challenge like this, remember:
Don’t just count what stands out. Count what’s hidden.
That’s where the real answer lies.
