[Interesting] Collection of Matchstick Quiz Problems
When it comes to moving or adding matchsticks to reach a specified answer, “matchstick puzzles” are a classic type of quiz.
In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of fun matchstick puzzle problems!
They may seem simple, but solving them actually requires flexible thinking and flashes of insight.
That’s why they’re so addictive—once you start, both kids and adults can’t help but get hooked!
If you’re “looking for interesting matchstick puzzle problems” or “want to discover a variety of matchstick puzzles,” be sure to check these out.
Play with friends or teammates, and it’s guaranteed to be a blast!
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[Interesting] Matchstick Quiz Problems (11–20)
Can you divide the area of an equilateral triangle into three equal parts by adding matchsticks?
Matchstick puzzles are also great for learning about the areas of shapes.
As an introductory example, I recommend a problem where you divide the area of a triangle into three equal parts.
First, make a triangle using nine matchsticks.
Then, how can you add three more matchsticks to split its area into three equal parts? The key is not to insist on making triangles—any partition into three equal areas is fine.
If you place the matchsticks from the center to form a trapezoid, the solution will come into view.
Try tackling problems that divide the areas of other shapes as well!
Move three matchsticks to increase the number of triangles.
The charm of matchstick puzzles is that they’re simple yet difficult, right? For those who want to tackle the simplest possible problems, I’d like to introduce a puzzle about increasing the number of triangles.
There are three triangles made from three matchsticks.
How can you move three of the matchsticks to increase the number of triangles? In fact, precisely because the problem is simple, there are many possible answers.
What answer did you come up with? It’s also fun to try it with multiple people and share your solutions with each other.
Move two matchsticks to stack the chairs.
Problems involving shapes and equations can feel very academic, so many children are resistant to them.
For such children, a fun, game-like way to get them used to matchstick puzzles is the Chair Stacking Quiz.
First, arrange matchsticks in an L shape, then place two more sticks side by side beneath it.
It will look like a chair viewed from the side.
Make two of these.
The challenge is to move two matchsticks to stack the chairs.
It’s a problem that tests creativity and mental flexibility.
If you think back to how you would stack real chairs, you’ll likely figure out the answer.
IQ Test with Matchsticks
There must be some of you who want to tackle really tough problems.
So here’s one I’d like to introduce: a matchstick puzzle said to be solvable only by those with an IQ over 200.
First, use 17 matchsticks to form the number 300.
From there, move just two matchsticks to make it read 1.
It’s quite a difficult problem, so very few people are expected to get it.
Hint: try expressing “one” in English.
Then the answer should start to come into view.
There are many matchstick puzzles designed to measure IQ, so definitely give it a try.
Move 2 sticks to reduce the number of squares from 5 to 4.
There are five squares arranged in two rows.
Think of the green Tetris piece—that might make it easier to visualize.
The figure is made up of 16 matchsticks.
By moving two of the matchsticks, how can you reduce the number of squares from five to four? The first idea that comes to mind is to remove the top sides of two squares and use them to form a new square.
But actually, there’s another solution to this puzzle! Problems with more than one answer are great for fostering children’s creativity.
Try to come up with the other solution yourself!
Move five matchsticks to make an upside-down figure.
Some matchstick puzzles can be solved purely with a spark of insight.
What’s interesting is that while some people can solve these instantly, others can’t solve them at all.
A great quiz to test that kind of intuition is this problem: move five matchsticks to create an upside-down version of the figure.
There are 15 matchsticks stacked in a pyramid shape.
How can you turn this figure upside down? It could also be fun to compete in a group to see who can solve it the fastest.
Can you make four equilateral triangles with six matchsticks?
On the science-themed YouTube channel of Hoyu Gakuin High School’s Science and Engineering Club, a matchstick puzzle is presented.
The challenge is to make four equilateral triangles using six matchsticks.
That sounds simple enough, but there’s a rule that the matchsticks cannot cross.
Suddenly it gets much harder, doesn’t it? The solution is to arrange the matchsticks in three dimensions to form a pyramid.
What an ingenious idea! If you pose this to your friends, it’s sure to be a hit!
How can I move the coin outside the square?
@sanyoukougyou Can you move the coin outside the square?TranslationTranslationIf you know the answer, head to the comments.TranslationTranslation# Difficult QuizMatchstick Quiz
♬ Riddle/Naughty Woodwind BGM(866905) – keichan
Feel the satisfaction of getting it right! Here’s a clever idea for getting a coin out of a square: There’s a coin inside a square made from four matchsticks.
Move just one matchstick to get the coin out! You might think, “That’s impossible” or “That sounds hard,” but let’s approach it with an open mind and see the solution by moving the matchstick creatively.
Try it in a group or individually—choose the approach that best fits your child’s style.
Matchstick puzzle: Move one stick to make 1.
See the answer
Move the rightmost matchstick to make “ONE.”
When you're told to “make a 1,” you’d naturally think you have to create the actual shape of the numeral “1,” right? But if you think about 1 in different ways—like “hitotsu,” “first,” “one”—your thoughts start to wander and then you go, “Aha!” That’s why it works. It’s a bit tricky for people who don’t know how to spell the English word ONE.
Matchstick puzzle: Using 12 matches, create six enclosures of equal size.
See the answer
Make it a regular hexagon
Imagine pens that hold one animal each, and think about building them with 12 matchsticks. We tend to try making them as squares, but let’s shift that thinking. A triangular pen only needs three matchsticks, so… with a clever combination, you can form a regular hexagon. It’s a surprisingly tricky puzzle!