What is classic nerdle?
Classic nerdle is the original daily math puzzle, often thought of as “math Wordle” or “number Wordle”. Each day, a new hidden calculation of 8 characters is waiting to be solved. The characters are digits (0-9), operators (+, −, ×, ÷) and one equals sign. You have six guesses to find it.
Every guess must be a mathematically correct equation. After each guess, colour-coded tiles tell you how close you are:
- Green, correct character in the correct position.
- Purple, correct character, wrong position.
- Grey, character not in the solution.
Standard order of operations applies, so × and ÷ are calculated before + and −. Commutative answers are accepted (if today’s answer is 10+20=30, then 20+10=30 also counts).
How to play
- Go to nerdlegame.com and enter your first guess using the on-screen keyboard or a connected keyboard.
- Your guess must be a valid 8-character equation (e.g.
12+35=47or9*20=180). - Use the colour feedback to narrow down the digits, operators and positions.
- Solve it in 6 guesses or fewer.
A new puzzle drops every day at midnight GMT (4pm PST, 7pm EST, 9am JST) such that every player worldwide gets the same puzzle. Although you can change this to reset at midnight in your local timezone in settings.
Tips for your first guess
A good opening guess uses a spread of different digits and at least two operators. Popular first guesses include 48-36=12 and 9*8-7=65, which test several digits and both multiplication and subtraction in one go.
If a digit appears twice in your guess but only once in the answer, one tile will be coloured and the other will go grey, so pay close attention to doubles.
About classic nerdle
Classic nerdle launched in January 2022 and has been played millions of times worldwide. There are 17,723 curated solutions, enough for a unique daily puzzle until 2070. It was created by Richard Mann and his daughter Imogen, and built by Marcus Tettmar.
Classic nerdle is free to play in any browser, no app or download required. You can also create an account to save your stats across devices, earn badges, and track your streaks.
Missed a day? Use nerdle replay to play any previous puzzle, or browse the answers archive if you’re stuck.
Looking for nerdle?
If you searched for “nurdle”, “nerdel”, “nirdle”, “neddle”, “nerle”, “nurdel”, or “the number wordle”, this is it! The game is called nerdle. Classic nerdle is free to play every day at nerdlegame.com.
Want more?
Classic nerdle is part of the nerdleverse, a family of number puzzles including mini nerdle (6 characters), maxi nerdle (10 characters), bi nerdle (two puzzles at once), speed nerdle, instant nerdle, cross nerdle and many more.
Discover other math games →, our guide to the best math games online, including games we don’t make.
Frequently asked questions
What is classic nerdle?
Classic nerdle is the original daily math puzzle: guess a hidden 8-character equation in six tries, with colour-coded clues after each guess. It launched in January 2022 and is often called “math wordle”.
How many guesses do you get?
Six. Each guess must itself be a valid, mathematically correct equation.
Is classic nerdle free?
Yes. It is free to play in any browser at nerdlegame.com, with no download and no sign-up required.
Does classic nerdle use order of operations?
Yes. Standard order of operations applies, so multiplication and division are worked out before addition and subtraction. Commutative answers are accepted, so if the answer is 10+20=30 then 20+10=30 also counts.
Where do you play classic nerdle?
At nerdlegame.com, free every day. It is also part of the nerdleverse, a family that includes mini, maxi, speed, instant and bi nerdle.