How Many Triangles Do You See? The Answer (and Why Almost Everybody Misses 6 of Them)

The answer is 24.

Here’s how to count them so you can check us. Every triangle in this picture has its point at the very top.

• There are 4 lines running from the top point down to the base. Any 2 of them form the sides of a triangle — that’s 6 combinations (3 narrow, 2 medium, 1 full-width).
• There are 4 levels where a triangle can end: the 3 lines across the middle, plus the base itself.
• 6 combinations × 4 levels = 24 triangles.

If you said 18, you counted 3 levels and missed the set that ends at the first line across. If you said 12, you only counted the narrow and full-width ones. Drop your number in the comments — and try today’s squares puzzle on our page if you want a rematch.