Think you’ve got a sharp eye? Here’s a fun and deceptively tricky puzzle to test your visual skills: How many squares can you count in the image above? At first glance, it might seem straightforward—but don’t be too quick with your answer. Most people guess wrong!
Let’s walk through the puzzle, examine why it confuses so many, and most importantly, reveal the correct number of squares hidden within the grid.
Why So Many Get It Wrong

One of the biggest reasons people miss the correct answer is because they rush through it. Our eyes naturally focus on the smallest, most obvious squares. You might glance at the image and say, “Easy, 9 squares!” But wait—there’s more beneath the surface. The puzzle is designed to trick the brain into ignoring combinations and overlapping shapes.
Another common mistake is forgetting what defines a square: all sides equal, and four 90-degree angles. This means we must look at both the obvious and the cleverly disguised ones.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Puzzle
Let’s break it down logically:
Start with the smallest squares
In the center grid, there are 9 clearly defined small squares (3 rows of 3). These are easy to count and the first most people spot.
Now look for medium squares
These are made by combining four of the small ones. There are 4 of these medium-sized squares (2 across the top and 2 across the bottom center).
Don’t forget the big one
Finally, the entire grid itself is one giant square that contains all the others.
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Now let’s tally that up:
- 9 small squares
- 4 medium squares
- 1 large square
That brings us to a total of 14 squares.
Yes, the correct answer is 14.
Why the Details Matter
This puzzle shows how easy it is to overlook the obvious when your brain is in a hurry. It’s a great reminder that logic puzzles often reward slow, deliberate thinking over quick guesses. If you missed a few squares, don’t worry—it happens to the best of us.
Challenge Your Friends!
Now that you know the right answer, why not share the puzzle and see who else can get it right? Ask your friends how many squares they see and compare answers. You’ll be surprised how many go for 9 or 16 and miss the clever layers hiding in plain sight.
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Final Thought
Puzzles like this are more than just a game—they’re a workout for your brain. They teach us to slow down, observe carefully, and question our assumptions. So next time you come across a visual challenge, remember to count twice and look deeper.
And remember—if you counted 14, you’ve got a sharp eye for detail. Keep solving, keep thinking, and enjoy the ride!