Shape Scales
Every scale is balanced and each shape always weighs the same whole number. Use the scales to work out what every shape weighs.
How to play
- Every scale is balanced: both sides weigh exactly the same.
- Each shape always weighs the same whole number. Work out what every shape weighs.
- Tap a shape, then type its weight. If your numbers would tip a scale, the scale shows it.
Four levels: pick your heat
-
Mild
Start with the scale that has only one kind of shape: 3 circles that weigh 12 means each circle weighs 4.
With Tan the Turtle. Play today's Mild Shape Scales →
-
Medium
Found one shape? Put its weight into the other scales. Same shape on both sides? Take one off each side and it still balances.
With Digit the Fox. Play today's Medium Shape Scales →
-
Spicy
No scale gives a shape away on its own. Compare two scales: what’s different between them, and how much does that difference weigh?
With Blaze the Dragon. Play today's Spicy Shape Scales →
-
Extra Spicy
Four shapes, and no scale gives one away. Compare two scales to find a shape, use it everywhere you can, and when you’re stuck again, compare again.
With Pi the Owl. Play today's Extra Spicy Shape Scales →
What math it practices
- Solving for an unknown
- Substitution and keeping equations balanced
- Systems of equations (Spicy and Extra Spicy)
Best for grades 4–8, 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
Is Shape Scales algebra?
Yes — each scale is an equation, and the shapes are the variables. Taking the same shape off both sides is exactly what you do to solve an equation.
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.