Area Blocks
Draw rectangles that cover the grid. Each rectangle holds exactly one number, and that number is its area.
How to play
- Split the whole 5×5 grid into rectangles (squares count too).
- Every rectangle holds exactly one number, and that number is its area: a 6 could be 2 × 3, 3 × 2, 1 × 6, or 6 × 1.
- Drag from one corner to the opposite corner to draw a rectangle, or tap one corner and then the other. Tap a rectangle to erase it.
Four levels: pick your heat
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Mild
Start with the numbers that only fit one way.
With Tan the Turtle. Play today's Mild Area Blocks →
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Medium
Big numbers in tight spots only fit a few ways. Start there, then see what space is left.
With Digit the Fox. Play today's Medium Area Blocks →
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Spicy
Big numbers in tight spots only fit a few ways. Start there, then see what space is left.
With Blaze the Dragon. Play today's Spicy Area Blocks →
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Extra Spicy
No number fits just one way at the start. Look for an empty square only one number can reach: that number’s rectangle has to cover it.
With Pi the Owl. Play today's Extra Spicy Area Blocks →
What math it practices
- Area of rectangles
- Multiplication and factor pairs
- Spatial reasoning
Best for grades 3–6, and fun for grown-ups too. Every level has its own daily leaderboard, and solving any puzzle on its day keeps your streak going.
Questions
How does Area Blocks teach area?
A 6 could be a 1×6, 6×1, 2×3 or 3×2 rectangle. Choosing which one fits is practice with factor pairs and what area means.
Is it free? Do I need an account?
Free, with no sign-up. Every visitor gets a guest name like Mathlete4821. The site never asks for a name, email or age.
What do the peppers mean?
There are four levels: Mild 🌶️ (warm up), Medium 🌶️🌶️, Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and Extra Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (big-brain challenge). Play any level, or all four, every day. Each level has its own leaderboard.
When is there a new puzzle?
Every day at midnight Pacific time. Missed a day? Past puzzles stay playable.
Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. The puzzles make a quick warm-up or a challenge for early finishers, and they work on phones, tablets, Chromebooks and the classroom screen.