What is Nerdle?
Nerdle is an eight-tile arithmetic puzzle that asks you to find one hidden calculation in six tries. The solution is a complete equation including the equals sign, and every guess must be mathematically valid before the board accepts it. The game opens with a suggested starting calculation that can be hidden using the Disable Hints switch.
How to play Nerdle
- Type an eight-character calculation using digits and the operators +, -, ×, ÷, and =.
- Ensure the calculation is arithmetically true. Each guess needs exactly one equals sign with only a number after it. Invalid calculations will be rejected.
- Submit and read the tile colors. Green marks correct characters in correct positions.
- Rebuild your guess around the green tiles. You have six attempts total.
Why the arithmetic constraint matters
Nerdle requires every guess to be a true equation before it counts. That rule transforms the puzzle from pattern matching into arithmetic reasoning. You construct correct calculations that happen to be wrong answers, and each one reveals position information for both digits and operators at once. The eight-tile width makes the placement of the equals sign a strategic choice rather than a fixed layout.
Reading the feedback
Green tiles indicate correct characters in the correct position. Standard order of operations applies, so multiplication and division resolve before addition and subtraction. Commutative answers such as 3+2=5 versus 2+3=5 are accepted only when everything else already matches the target solution.
Game modes
Classic nerdle
The flagship eight-character daily puzzle. The board opens on this mode, with the puzzle number shown in the header.
The nerdleverse
A More Games menu leading to other number puzzles on the site. Some variants introduce additional mathematical operators that then appear on the keyboard.
Tips for solving
Vary the position of the equals sign across your first two rows rather than committing to one layout. The equals can sit in different places, so its location carries information.
Order of operations is enforced. Multiplication and division in your guess resolve before addition, so verify the arithmetic before submitting the row.
The Disable Hints control under the board removes the suggested opening calculation if you want to solve without guidance.
Common questions
Does my calculation have to match the exact order of the solution?
Commutative answers are accepted, but only when everything else matches the target solution.
What counts as a valid guess?
A mathematically correct calculation containing one equals sign with only a number after it. Standard order of operations applies.
Can I turn the suggested first guess off?
Yes. Use the Disable Hints control located under the board next to the All Rules link.