Math Puzzle Worksheets

These puzzles practice a wide variety of math skills. Students will use all basic operator skills you can think of. They can be as easy as telling time and as difficult as mid-level algebra skills.


Focus On Basic Math

  • Addition Math Box Puzzle - Fill in any of the missing numbers to complete the sums. A fun puzzle that requires some deep thinking and pre-algebra skills. It not so much the totals that are hard to find, it is just difficult to pinpoint what box they belong to.
  • Multiples of 5 and 7 Puzzle - A basic multiples puzzle. We find how the products fit into the cross number puzzles. You can check your work by doing other problems.
  • Greatest Sum Puzzle - Find the sums of each row and column. This is a pretty easy one. This puzzle asks you to find sums and than compare numbers to find the greatest.
  • Which is Greater Simple Puzzle - A puzzle for Kindergartners. A simple comparison sheet for Kindergarten or Grade 1 students.
  • Addition and Subtraction Cross Number Puzzle - This is a neat puzzle that focuses on sums and differences. There are 5 version in this pack to give you plenty of practice. By number 4 they should breeze through it. #5 should be done in under 5 minutes.
  • Sum and Difference of Balls Puzzle - This is a neat way to start reverse adding and subtracting. Add the two meeting numbers to go up on the top one, continue this to the top. On the bottom do the same thing, just subtract instead.
  • Mixed Operations Math Cross Number Puzzle - Slightly more advanced than the sheet above. 30 full throttle problems. You can use problems to help you with others that you have trouble with.
  • Math Box Multiplication Puzzle - A super way to review these skills. The products of zero can really throw you off the right trail. Make sure to cross reference with the opposite direction of each row.
  • Practicing Subtraction Puzzle - Practice a four-way subtraction block of single and double digits. Subtract across and down to complete this puzzle. Each box has 4 difference problems.
  • Product Math Box Puzzle - Find the parts of the missing whole. Work on a column and correlated row, that makes it much easier to tackle on your own.
  • Sums of Numbers Box Puzzle - Another fun box math puzzle. Complete the sums in the right-hand column and bottom row. These sums are larger than previous puzzles.
  • Fill in the Missing Sum Puzzle 0 to 9 - Find the missing sums to complete the puzzle. Find any missing numbers and add them to the puzzle. We are looking for purely sums here.
  • Random Operations Flashcards - A quick one to review those last 5 minutes. Students work with simple to bunched operations. Good for a quick review at the end of class.

More Difficult Puzzles

  • Operations Block Puzzle - This is a little out of the box. Students can have trouble with it at first. This is great to stimulate deep thinkers. Each block feeds into the next block producing a final outcome.
  • Finding the Number 1 Puzzle - Do this one very carefully and pay attention to every move your make. Students really need to pay attention to every operation they make. The final outcome should be the number 1.
  • Cross Number Puzzle with All Operations - We use all operations under the PEMDAS rainbow. There are 4 versions that test all the different operations. A fabaluous operations review sheet pack.
  • Making 15 Puzzle - This is a pre-algebra sheet. Add the missing symbols (operators) to complete the puzzle. This really helps teachers evaluate student levels.
  • Mixed Word Based Operations Crossnumber Puzzle - All the problems are number sentences. Solve this puzzle of number sentences. This makes a great challenge for kids that breeze through normal numbers.
  • Multiplication Crossnumber Puzzle - We only work with products on this one. We work on multiples of the most commonly used numbers in factor work 5s and 7s.
  • Fill in the Missing Sum Puzzle 11 to 99 - We work with large sums to increase the difficulty. This is a ramped up version of the previous sheets. It is progressively hard to determine the correct positioning of the numbers.
  • Secret Math Puzzle - Repeated addition as multiplication. Actively compare and equate multiplication to repeated addition. This puzzle is more of a reminder than a puzzle.
  • Complete the Sequence Puzzle - Finish each of three missing parts of the sequence. Diverse sequences that you must determine the pattern of in order to find the last three parts of the sequence.
  • Shading Odds and Primes Puzzle - Find all the primes and circle them. This is a fun one. Take a second to breathe in what they are asking you to do first.
  • Name, Order Sides, and Edging Shapes Puzzle - Explain a great deal and order shapes by the number of sides. We review four basic geometrical shapes and ask the name, number of sides each has, and then you are asked to arrange them based on the number of sides they have.
  • Divisibility Brain Teaser Puzzle - This one is really cool how it all connects together. Works on divisibility rules and makes a great class activity to step into higher level work.
  • Tick of Clock Puzzle - Tell time and write it. Time for some clock play. Draw the hands of the clock and write the in digital form.

Math Puzzle Related Resources

    A number of great resources for you to enjoy. You can't leave home without them; when it comes to math puzzles. Each of these goes hand-in-hand with puzzles.

  • Do Now Math! (Grade Specific) - Great to start off all of your math classes. All aligned to the core curriculum.
  • Full Math Curriculum - You will find everything you need for your classroom.
  • On-line Puzzle Games - We look at puzzles available all over the Internet. A great review game.
  • Tic Tac Toe Math - Fun cooperative games kids can play with each other.
  • Logic Puzzle Worksheets - Great to stir up those higher levels of thinking.
  • Word Problem Worksheets - We have one of the best sections available on-line.


  • How Math Puzzles Help Students Improve

    What Are Mathematical Puzzles?

    Math puzzles are problems that require students to use logic and a series of calculation steps to solve them. They play a vital role in recreational mathematics.

    The benefits of math puzzles range from increased recreational to educational value in students' lives. It would benefit you to teach students how to use logic to derive answers as a teacher.

    Using the regular practice of solving mathematical puzzles effectively teaches students the importance of tackling math and other general problems in life using a logical step-by-step approach. You can find several printable math puzzles online to get started!

    Research suggests that strong math skills at an early age significantly increase the students' chances of a better future earning power. Math puzzles are a great way to improve math skills and earn a better livelihood in the future.

    Let's look at how math puzzles benefit students by helping them improve their math skills and allowing them to improve in other aspects of their lives.

    Research suggests that students who solve puzzles at a younger age develop better spatial awareness skills. Let's look at how math puzzles help students!

    How They Help Students Improve?

    Solving match puzzles routinely gives the students a learning boost in several ways. From a very early age, students are taught to fear math, which is why seeing a lot of numbers tends to get overwhelming for them. Math puzzles take away the fear of numbers and mathematics from students' minds and show them a fun side to math.

    We have listed a few reasons why math puzzles help students improve. Read on to find out!

    1. They Make Math Fun

    If you teach students to look at math puzzles like video games or jigsaw puzzles, they will become full for them. Getting math puzzles right by putting all the pieces together will give your students the same level of satisfaction and achievement they feel when they finally solve a puzzle or win a video game.

    Solving math puzzles frequently also develops the enthusiasm of students for numbers. According to research, math puzzles allow students to be fully engaged in mathematics and help them understand the purpose and significance of math.

    Solving a complex puzzle and deriving the correct answer can be gratifying and may give students a sense of pride and accomplishment.

    2. Improves Logical Thinking Skills

    Solving math problems helps train the brain to think logically and critically to solve problems. It also encourages students to be creative in their problem-solving approaches.

    Math puzzles are like food for the brain. They increase deep thinking skills and help strengthen and rewire the brain. There is nothing like the enjoyment and rush of a good intellectual challenge.

    Students have to process, structure, and organize information using logic and creativity to solve math problems. These skills help students apply the same technique to solve real problems, helping them to investigate and understand the world better.

    3. Solving Math Puzzles Increases Student Confidence in Tackle Math Problems

    The more students practice math hands-on, the less they will fear it. Some aspects of math are challenging and can get overwhelming for many students. Even some adults still fear math. To help take that fear away, students need to be confident that they are just as capable of solving math problems as anyone else.

    Working on math puzzles allows students to get familiarized and comfortable with mathematics and numbers in a relaxed setting, without any pressure that they may otherwise feel while attempting to tackle math questions in a quiz or exam.

    Hence, taking away the pressure that students feel teaches them to fear math less.

    4. Help Students Get a Stronger Hold of Mathematical Concept

    Math puzzles serve as an effective way to help students grasp essential mathematical concepts and principles. In simple terms, math puzzles are just a fun way to practice math. Solving math puzzles also helps students relate math to everyday life, such as using money and telling time.

    5. Allows Students to Develop Fluency with Numbers

    Math puzzles teach students to be more fluent with numbers and use mental images to solve problems. Number fluency is a skill that will benefit students in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Math and numbers are everywhere in our lives, making it more critical to develop number fluency.

    6. Improve Strategic Thinking Skills

    Solving math puzzles also helps improve strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Math puzzles are an excellent workout for the brain and allow students to observe different pieces of information at hand, critically analyze and plan the various elements of the data or information, see how they fit together, and lastly, decide upon the appropriate course of action to solve the problem.

    Strategic thinking is an effective way to solve problems of all nature and tackle any situation, and one must essentially follow the same steps to solve real-life problems.

    7. Helps Students Prepare for Test

    Math puzzles are fun for students to hone the mathematical concepts and skills they require to do well in math tests and exams. Math puzzles also help students in difficulties such as SATs.

    Solving math puzzles encourages students to develop their reasoning skills while training the brain to think mathematically. Math puzzles also help improve students' memory skills and familiarize them with non-verbal concepts such as numbers, shapes, and space. The more puzzles they practice, the more their skills will improve.

    Wrapping Up

    In conclusion, solving math puzzles contributes to student learning in many ways. As students solve more and more math puzzles, they will learn to fear math less and enjoy it more.

    Solving math puzzles also improves logical thinking and spatial skills among students. It teaches students to use these essential skills and apply them in other areas of academics and their personal lives.

    Once they get the hang of math puzzles, your students will keep asking for more. So, allow your students to practice as much as possible to help them improve!