Math Riddles: Numbers
and Logic Puzzles
Math riddles combine numbers with lateral thinking. They’re great for
practising arithmetic and logic in a fun way. Whether you’re a student
sharpening your skills or an adult who loves puzzles, these brain
teasers will give you a satisfying challenge.
Why Math Riddles Are
Great for Learning
Solving math riddles helps you:
- Improve problem solving skills by recognising patterns and
relationships - Build confidence in mental math
- See numbers in a playful context instead of a purely academic
one
Try solving the following riddles without a calculator if you can.
Write down any patterns you notice – sometimes the key is spotting an
overlooked connection.
Math Riddles with Answers
Riddle 1
What three positive numbers give the same result when multiplied and
added together?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3. 1 × 2 × 3 = 6, and
1 + 2 + 3 = 6.
Riddle 2
If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what are four and five?
Answer: Nine. It’s a play on arithmetic rather than
a phrase.
Riddle 3
You have two coins that add up to 30 cents, and one of them is not a
nickel. What coins do you have?
Answer: A quarter and a nickel. One of them isn’t a
nickel, but the other one is.
Riddle 4
Using only addition, how can you add eight 8s to get the number
1,000?
Answer: 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1,000.
Riddle 5
A farmer has 17 sheep and all but nine die. How many are left?
Answer: Nine. “All but nine” die, so nine
remain.
Riddle 6
Take away my first letter, and I still sound the same. Take away my
last letter, I still sound the same. Even take away my letter in the
middle, I will still sound the same. I am a five‑letter word. What am
I?
Answer: Empty. Removing “E,” “Y,” or “P” leaves
“mpty,” “empt,” or “emty,” all pronounced similarly.
Riddle 7
Which weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of bricks?
Answer: They both weigh one pound. This riddle plays
on assumptions rather than math.
For more number fun, explore our Easy
Riddles or level up with Hard
Riddles.