We solved this puzzle using Doceri to visually keep track of the squares as we counted them. What answer do you come up with? Feel free to post a video response!

Let’s dive into this intriguing and mind-boggling question: How many squares do you see? On the surface, it seems straightforward, but you might be surprised at how deep this rabbit hole goes. Count with us, and you might just find yourself seeing things in a whole new way.

When you’re presented with a grid, your instinct might be to count the most visible squares—the big ones that instantly catch your eye. But oh, dear reader, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Let’s start small. If you’ve got a 2×2 grid, you might think there are simply four squares. But hold on! Besides the four small squares, there’s also one big square that encompasses them all.

Now, imagine things grow larger. A humble 3×3 grid contains those nine obvious squares, yet you’ve also got four additional 2×2 squares and one mighty 3×3 square.

How are your counting skills holding up? By the time you reach a 4×4 grid, you’re dealing with:

16 individual 1×1 squares

9 individual 2×2 squares

4 individual 3×3 squares

1 majestic 4×4 square

Add those up and you’ve got 30. Yes, thirty squares in that seemingly simple grid!

The beauty of this puzzle lies in its simplicity yet challenging depth. It’s a fantastic exercise in spatial awareness and a great way to flex those cognitive muscles.

So next time you see a grid, whether it’s for a puzzle or in the pattern of floor tiles, take a moment to consider: How many squares do you see? The answer might be more than you initially thought.

What did you come up with for the puzzle? Let us know! And for a bit of a visual guide, check out this video we used to keep track. It’s a great cheat sheet for counting all those hidden squares!