Looking for Numberle?
Try nerdle.
The original math word puzzle
Play classic nerdle → All nerdle games →Nerdle is the original math word puzzle – launched in January 2022, before both Mathler and Numberle. Over a million people played in the first week. Today it’s played in homes and schools worldwide, with famous fans including Bill Gates, Louis Theroux and Stormzy. But our proudest stories come from teachers using nerdle in class and players aged 22 to 27 keeping their minds sharp with daily maths.
Nerdle vs Numberle at a glance
| Feature | nerdle | Numberle |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | January 2022 | February 2022 |
| Daily puzzle | ✓ One global puzzle, resets at midnight UTC with local timezone option | ✓ |
| Length variants | ✓ Mini, midi, maxi, micro | ✓ Adjustable equation length (5–12 symbols) |
| Multi‑grid mode (solve 2/4/8 grids together) | ✓ Bi, quad, octo nerdle | × |
| Speed mode (timed) | ✓ Speed nerdle | × |
| Instant mode (one‑guess logic) | ✓ Instant nerdle | × |
| Extended operators (brackets, exponents) | ✓ Maxi nerdle | × |
| Multiplayer | ✓ Nerdle cup, nerd duel | × |
| Other math games | ✓ Cross nerdle (crossword), Targets, Maffdoku (sudoku-style) | × |
| Mobile apps | ✓ iOS & Android | × Web only |
| Order of operations enforced | ✓ PEMDAS / BODMAS / BIDMAS | × Not mentioned |
| Commutativity accepted | ✓ Auto‑rearranged (toggleable). 10+20=30 same as 20+10=30 | × |
| Free | ✓ | ✓ |
Beyond the classic puzzle
Once you’ve played classic nerdle, there’s a whole family of variants designed for different moods and skill levels:
- Mini, midi & maxi nerdle – the classic at shorter or longer lengths, from a quick coffee break to a proper workout
- Instant nerdle – one guess, all the digits given, pure logic
- Speed nerdle – timed, for when you want to race the clock
- Bi, quad & octo nerdle – the math equivalents of Dordle, Quordle and Octordle: 2, 4 or 8 grids solved together
- Cross nerdle – a crossword built from equations
- Nerd Duel – head-to-head against a friend or a bot
Pick a starting point from our games hub, or jump straight into classic nerdle for the closest like-for-like Numberle replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between nerdle and Numberle?
Both are daily math equation puzzles inspired by Wordle. Nerdle launched first, is more mathematically rigorous (standard order of operations applies and commutative answers are accepted), has more wordle-like game variants (10+) and a wider selection of other math games. Numberle is a single-game version that treats e.g. 10+20=30 and 20+10=30 as different solutions.
Does nerdle enforce order of operations?
Yes – nerdle enforces standard order of operations, the same rules taught in school as PEMDAS, BODMAS or BIDMAS. So 1+1×2=3 is correct (multiply before adding), not 4. Numberle’s rules don’t mention order of operations.
Nerdle also treats addition and multiplication as commutative: 10+20=30 and 20+10=30 are both correct because they are mathematically identical. Numberle treats them as different answers, which makes the puzzle a string-matching exercise rather than a maths one.
If you’re curious about the maths, we wrote a short explainer on PEMDAS, BODMAS and BIDMAS – they describe exactly the same rule.
Which came first – nerdle, Mathler or Numberle?
Nerdle came first, launched in January 2022. Mathler and Numberle followed in February the same year.
Is there a daily Numberle?
Yes, but nerdle has 10+ daily variants – some easier (mini nerdle) and some harder (maxi and speed nerdle). Nerdle also has the option of starting at UTC or your midnight local time.
Is nerdle harder than Numberle?
Classic nerdle is similar in difficulty – an 8-character equation in 6 guesses. If you find classic too easy, try maxi nerdle (which adds brackets and exponents). If too hard, try mini nerdle. Numberle lets you adjust equation length too – but only nerdle has speed, instant and multi-grid modes that change the kind of challenge entirely.
Is nerdle free?
Yes, completely free to play on the web. No sign-up required.
Does nerdle have an app?
Yes, nerdle has official iOS and Android apps for the full Nerdleverse, with cloud backup and bonus puzzles. You can also play in any browser without downloading anything.
Can I play nerdle in the classroom?
Yes – nerdle is widely used in schools as a daily maths warm-up. No accounts needed, no ads in the classroom edition. See our classroom math games page for details of teacher resources and how teachers can go ad-free.
Why does nerdle have so many variants?
Different players enjoy different kinds of challenge. Some want a quick coffee-break puzzle (mini nerdle); some want a harder workout (maxi nerdle, which adds brackets and exponents). Others enjoy multi-grid versions (bi, quad, octo nerdle) that reward strategic thinking, or speed mode for a timed challenge, or instant nerdle where you have to solve it in a single guess.
Beyond the classic-style variants, the nerdleverse also offers different math game types entirely – cross nerdle for crossword fans, targets for number-target puzzles, maffdoku for sudoku-style logic, and nerd duel for head-to-head play.