At first glance, this triangle puzzle looks almost too easy to be true. You’re presented with an image of a circle divided into eight equal slices and a simple question: “How many triangles?” The instructions even point out that 90% of people fail to get it right, which only adds to the challenge.

Most people will look at the circle, count the wedge-like sections that resemble slices of a pie, and assume they’ve nailed it. But that’s exactly where the trap lies—this puzzle is much more than a straightforward geometry question. It’s actually a clever exercise in perception, critical thinking, and your ability to look beyond the obvious. So before scrolling down for the answer or taking a wild guess, take a minute to really think through the question and observe every detail carefully. What’s really being asked? Where could the triangles be hiding? Let’s break it down step by step. The first place most people look is inside the circle. It’s divided by four straight lines—two diagonals, one vertical, and one horizontal—which results in eight pie-shaped sections.

At a glance, these may all look like triangles, but upon closer inspection, not all of them qualify as geometric triangles. Only the three small shapes formed right at the center, where the lines intersect, are actual triangles. The rest are curved or irregular sectors. So despite what many assume, the answer isn’t eight. From the diagram alone, there are only three true triangles. That’s step one. Now, here’s where things get interesting. The question asks, “How many triangles?” and within that very sentence, the word “triangle” is clearly written. It’s easy to focus only on the image and completely miss the clues provided in the text. But in a puzzle like this, everything counts—including words. The presence of the word “triangle” itself is a hidden reference, bringing the triangle count up to four.

Still with me? Good, because there’s one more subtle clue left to uncover. Look at the word “CAREFULLY,” which often appears in bold above or near the puzzle. One of the letters in that word—the capital “A”—is shaped like a triangle. While it’s not a triangle in the geometric sense, its symbolic representation makes it relevant to this particular puzzle, especially considering how the challenge is structured to encourage lateral thinking. So, when you count that triangle-shaped letter “A,” you now have a fifth triangle. To recap: there are three triangles inside the circle, one in the word “triangle,” and one more hidden in the form of the letter “A” in “CAREFULLY.” That brings the grand total to five triangles. Surprised? That’s exactly what makes this puzzle so brilliant.

It’s designed to test more than just your ability to count shapes—it challenges how you approach problems and how closely you pay attention to both visual and verbal cues. The use of misdirection makes it especially tricky. People get so fixated on the image that they overlook the puzzle’s written elements. It’s a smart way to measure your ability to step back and see the full picture. So, how did you do? Were you one of the few who got all five? Or did you fall into the common trap of counting just the wedges? Don’t worry if you missed a few—this puzzle stumps the majority of people. That’s the fun of it. It’s a chance to challenge your brain, sharpen your focus, and improve your critical thinking. These types of puzzles do more than entertain. They help you develop skills like attention to detail, cognitive flexibility, and pattern recognition. And let’s face it—they’re far more engaging than mindlessly scrolling through your feed. If you enjoyed this mental workout, there are plenty more where that came from. From optical illusions to riddles and brainteasers, continuing to test your perception is a great way to keep your mind agile. So next time you’re faced with a puzzle like this, remember—it’s not just about what you see. It’s also about how you interpret what’s in front of you. Keep thinking outside the box, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to look twice. After all, in puzzles—and in life—what you notice can make all the difference.