Mathler is a free online puzzle game developed by Daniel Tait that applies the addictive color-clue logic of Wordle to mathematics. Instead of guessing a five-letter word, your challenge is to uncover a hidden six-tile mathematical equation that equals a specific, predetermined answer.
Developer: Mathler.com
Release Year: 2022
Official Website: https://mathler.com
The game concept is simple, but the possibilities expand quickly as numbers and operations come into play, offering a great mental workout for puzzle enthusiasts.
How to Play Mathler
The objective is to guess the hidden six-tile equation in six attempts or fewer.
The Six-Tile Structure (Normal & Extreme Modes)
In Normal and Extreme modes, the equation you guess is exactly six tiles long. Your equation must fill these six spots: [Tile 1] [Tile 2] [Tile 3] [Tile 4] [Tile 5] [Tile 6]. The resulting value of these six tiles must equal the Target Answer shown above the grid
- See the Target Answer: Before you begin, the game provides the Target Answer (e.g., the number 20) that your final equation must equal.
- Make Your Guess: Use digits (0-9) and basic mathematical operations (+, -, *, /) to create a full, valid equation.
- Rule: Your six-tile guess must be a complete, mathematically solvable equation, and its result must equal the Target Answer shown at the top of the grid. If your guess does not equal the target, the game will reject it.
- Use Color Clues: After each guess, the tiles change color to guide your next move.
The Color Clues
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | The digit or operation is correct and in the right spot within the six tiles. |
| Yellow | The digit or operation is in the correct equation but is in the wrong position. |
| Gray | The digit or operation is not used at all in the hidden equation. |
Mathler Game Modes
Mathler offers four distinct game modes that drastically change the complexity and challenge. For every mode, a Practice Session is available if you prefer not to enter the main daily game directly.
| Mode | Squares | Key Feature | Hint System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 5 | Requires 5 numbers and 1 operator. | Green, Yellow, Gray |
| Normal | 6 | Standard mode (typically 3 numbers, 2 operators). | Green, Yellow, Gray |
| Hard | 8 | Larger equation, can include parenthesis ( ). | Green, Yellow, Gray |
| Extreme | 6 | Standard size, but only shows exact matches. | Only Green and Gray |
Tips and Tricks for Winning Mathler
The key to Mathler isn’t just knowing math; it’s about testing position and operation hierarchy. I’ve found that getting a yellow on an operation symbol is often more valuable than a yellow on a number, as it immediately narrows down the equation’s fundamental structure (e.g., whether it’s two operands or three).
My Essential Tip: The BODMAS/PEMDAS Oversight
I receive emails every month from thousands of players telling me they did everything right, but their answer isn’t being accepted. My finding, after checking their screenshots and equations, is that most players forget to apply the Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS) while calculating the final result of their guess.
If you are certain you have the right numbers and operations, but the game is rejecting your guess, recalculate the value using the rule that multiplication and division happen before addition and subtraction. Once you use BODMAS correctly, you’ll often find your answer matches the target!
If you enjoy Mathler, you can also play other logic-based puzzles like Nerdle, Phrazle, or Waffle – all available to play free on Infrexa under the Brain Games Section.
A Mini-Walkthrough Example
Let’s say the Target Answer is 12.
- First Guess (Test Position and Variety): You guess
8 + 6 - 2 = 12. - Results:
- 8 is Green (Correct number, correct position).
- + is Yellow (Correct operation, wrong position).
- 6, –, 2 are Gray (Not used).
- Inference:
- The equation must start with 8. (
8 _ _ _ _ = 12) - The + sign must be used, but it cannot be in the second position.
- We know the final calculation must still equal 12. Since
8is locked in the first spot, we only need to figure out how to add 4 (12 - 8 = 4) using the remaining two positions and one operation, with the addition sign not being the second tile.
- The equation must start with 8. (
This focused deduction is how you solve the puzzle quickly!
Core Strategy
- Operation Priority: Try to use multiplication (
*) or division (/) in your first guess if the Target Answer is large. This helps you figure out the scope quickly. - Don’t Re-use Gray: Once a digit or operation is Gray, eliminate it from all future guesses unless you are forced to use it to complete a valid equation.
- Lock Down Green Tiles: Once a tile is Green, you must use that exact number or operation in that exact spot for all subsequent guesses.
Play Mathler Online
You can play the official daily challenge on Mathler’s official website.
