Puzzlenest

Number Nest: daily math puzzle

Combine six numbers with plus, minus, times and divide to hit three targets. A new set every day that you can share with friends, plus unlimited practice.

How to play Number Nest

Number Nest is an original Puzzlenest game. Each day has three rounds, and each round gives you six numbers and a target.

  1. Tap a number, tap an operation (+, −, ×, ÷), then tap a second number. The two numbers are replaced by the result.
  2. Keep combining until one of your numbers equals the target.
  3. You don't have to use all six numbers. Division only works when it comes out even, and results can't go below zero.
  4. The targets get harder: round 1 is between 20 and 99, round 2 between 100 and 299, and round 3 between 300 and 999.

Your result shows 🟢 for an exact hit, 🟡 for close, and 🔴 for far off. Every target is made by actually combining that round's numbers, so an exact answer always exists.

A worked example

Numbers: 3, 4, 6, 8, 25, 100. Target: 627.

  1. Find a big multiple near the target. 6 × 100 = 600 is close, but 6 × 104 = 624 is closer. So first make 104: 100 + 4 = 104.
  2. 104 × 6 = 624.
  3. Now add the small difference: 624 + 3 = 627. Exact, using only four of the six numbers.

Another target from the same numbers, 356, works the same way: 356 is 4 × 89, and 89 is 100 − 11, so 3 + 8 = 11, 100 − 11 = 89, 89 × 4 = 356.

Strategy tips

  • Divide the target in your head. Is it close to a multiple of 25, 50, 75 or 100? Can it be split as (big number × small number) ± a little?
  • Build the multiplier, not just the total. As in the example, it's often easier to make 104 and multiply than to make 627 by adding.
  • Keep small numbers for the end. 1 to 12 are perfect for closing a gap of a few units.
  • Use Undo freely. Trying a route and backing out is part of the game. Your result only counts how close you got.
  • Practice in Unlimited mode. The patterns repeat. After a week you will start to "see" targets as 7 × 50 + 7 or 4 × 25 − 3.

Why we made Number Nest

We wanted a quick daily math puzzle that feels like a game, not homework. Number Nest takes the classic idea of reaching a target number with arithmetic, which you may know from TV quiz shows, and turns it into three short rounds with a result you can share without giving away the answer. It's good mental arithmetic practice for students and a fun brain warm-up for adults.

Missed a day? Every past Number Nest, with one exact solution for each target, is in the puzzle archive.

Designed, written and tested by the Puzzlenest editors. Updated November 1, 2026. How we make our puzzles

Frequently asked questions

Is every target possible?

Yes. Each target is built by combining that round's numbers, so there is always an exact answer.

Do I have to use all six numbers?

No. Use as many or as few as you like.

Can I play more than once a day?

Yes. The daily puzzle is the same for everyone, and Unlimited mode gives you new puzzles any time.

Can results be negative or fractions?

No. Subtraction can't go below zero, and division only works when it divides exactly.

Where can I see a solution?

Every past daily Number Nest is in the puzzle archive, with one exact solution for each target.