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Maths Games

Maths riddles

Create riddles that practise number properties and reasoning.

Quick answer

Maths riddles are fun puzzles that help you practice number properties, reasoning, and problem-solving skills using numbers and maths ideas you already know.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve simple maths riddles by using your knowledge of numbers, patterns, and basic operations. Success signs:
  • You can understand what a maths riddle is asking
  • You can use clues to figure out the answer
  • You can explain how you solved a riddle
  • You can create your own simple maths riddle

Why this matters

Maths riddles help you think more deeply about numbers and how they work. They are like puzzles that make you use your brain in a fun way. Riddles help you practice skills you’ll use in school and in everyday life, like solving problems, thinking logically, and working with numbers. They also make maths feel exciting and creative!

How it works

A maths riddle is a puzzle that uses numbers or maths ideas to lead you to an answer. Here's how to solve one:
  1. Read the riddle carefully
  2. Look for clues about numbers, shapes, or patterns
  3. Think about what you already know about maths
  4. Try different ideas to find the answer
  5. Check if your answer makes sense

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of maths riddles and how to solve them. Example 1: What number am I? I am a number that is more than 5 but less than 10. I am an odd number. What number am I? Solution: We need to find a number that is:
  • More than 5
  • Less than 10
  • Odd
Numbers between 5 and 10 are: 6, 7, 8, 9 Odd numbers in that group are: 7, 9 So the answer could be 7 or 9. Example 2: How many are there? There are 4 groups of 3 apples. How many apples are there in total? Solution: We can think of this as 4 groups of 3 apples. That’s the same as: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 apples Or, 4 × 3 = 12 apples Example 3: What shape am I? I have 4 equal sides and 4 right angles. What shape am I? Solution: This is a square. A square has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Mystery Box You are a detective on a mission to find a treasure. You have a box with a riddle on it: Riddle: I am a number that is more than 3 and less than 8. If you add 2 to me, you get a number that is even. What number am I? Step-by-step adventure: 1st time: What numbers are more than 3 and less than 8? Answer: 4, 5, 6, 7 2nd time: What happens if you add 2 to each number? 4 + 2 = 6 5 + 2 = 7 6 + 2 = 8 7 + 2 = 9 3rd time: Which answer is even? 6 and 8 are even numbers 4th time: Which number from the list gives an even number when you add 2? So, 4 and 6 both work. 5th time: What if the riddle says “only one answer”? We need to check if 4 or 6 works best. If 4 + 2 = 6 (even), and 6 + 2 = 8 (even), both fit. But if we need only one answer, we can say 4 or 6. Final treasure: The answer is 4 or 6.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Not reading the riddle carefully. Why it happens: You might rush or get distracted. Fix: Read the riddle slowly and underline key words.
  • Mistake: Thinking that “more than” means “equal to”. Why it happens: The words can be confusing. Fix: Remember: more than means greater than, not including the number itself.
  • Mistake: Not checking your answer. Why it happens: You might be in a hurry. Fix: Always double-check that your answer fits all the clues.
  • Mistake: Thinking that a riddle must have a single answer. Why it happens: You might expect one answer like in a test. Fix: Some riddles have more than one possible answer. That’s okay!

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child with maths riddles by:
  • Reading the riddle together and asking questions
  • Encouraging your child to explain their thinking
  • Letting them try different ideas without rushing to help
  • Not worrying if they get the answer wrong at first
  • Practising riddles together or making up new ones
Five-minute help tips:
  • Ask your child to read the riddle out loud
  • Ask them to tell you what clues they see
  • Help them write down the numbers or ideas they think of
  • Ask them to check if their answer works
  • Let them make up a riddle for you to solve

Practice questions

  1. What number is 3 more than 5?
  2. What number is half of 10?
  3. I am a number less than 10 and more than 5. I am an even number. What number am I?
  4. What shape has 3 sides and 3 angles?
  5. If I have 5 groups of 4 marbles, how many marbles do I have?
Answers:
  1. 8
  2. 5
  3. 6 or 8
  4. A triangle
  5. 20

FAQ

What is a maths riddle?

A maths riddle is a fun puzzle that uses numbers, shapes, or patterns to help you find an answer. It often uses clues that make you think!

Can I make my own maths riddles?

Yes! You can make riddles by thinking of a number or shape, then giving clues about it. For example: “I am a shape with 4 equal sides. What am I?”

Are maths riddles good for learning?

Yes! They help you use your brain, think logically, and practice your maths skills in a fun way.

How many answers can one riddle have?

Some riddles have one answer, and others can have more than one. It depends on the clues given.

Where can I find more maths riddles?

You can find riddles in books, online, or make them up with friends. Try asking your teacher or looking for riddle games on maths websites.