Mathstick Puzzles

Skill: problem solving, observation, spatial awareness

Resources: templates, matchsticks, toothpicks, straws (or a selection of any sticks of equal length)

Activity: Matchstick problems are a great way to develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. Click on the different images to see the puzzles in more detail. You can also download the puzzles to print and laminate. You can download all of them at the bottom of the page. Hints and solutions can be found below each puzzle. Try the puzzles first before looking at the solutions!

The two squares do NOT have to be the same size.

The two triangles do NOT have to be the same size.

Make the final fish. Which matches do the initial and final fish have in common?

Notice that the fish body uses 4 matchsticks in the shape of a diamond. Can you see another diamond by moving only 1 stick?

Keep the fish body intact.

Make the final house. Which matches do the initial and final house have in common?

Move the matchsticks that are “inside” the house.

Move the matches at the right.

Move them inside the hexagon.

The cross should be large.

Move the matches at the ends.

Complete the grid.

Little squares inside a big square.

Imagine moving the glass sideways. Which matchstick do two glasses have in common?

One matchstick has to be dragged a little bit.

The final glass doesn’t need to be in the same direction than the initial one.

Look at a different direction.

By moving 1 matchstick could you have another 3 matchsticks in a row that makes the field?

How many matchsticks do you need to make each square?

There is 16 matchsticks. For 4 squares. So 4 matchsticks each. Meaning…

The squares cannot share any matchsticks. They cannot touch!

Think diagonally.

How many matchsticks do you need to make each square?

There is 12 matchsticks. For 3 squares. So 4 matchsticks each. Meaning…

The squares cannot share any matchsticks. They cannot touch!

Think diagonally.