Number Chain Solver

Number Chain Solver — Step by Step

Press ✏️ Type a chain and write the start number and steps separated by commas, e.g. 18, ×3, −6, double, 3/4, 25%. Then press Solve. Or play a generated puzzle and send it here with one click.

Number Chain Solver: rules, how to use it, tips

Start with a number, follow each step in order, and keep the running total in your head.

The rules

Start with the number at the beginning of the chain.
Do each step to the running total, in order.
Write the total after each step — or only the final answer in the challenge mode.
Every step in a generated chain gives a whole number.

Using the solver

Type the chain — steps can be +7, −12, ×3, ÷4, double, half, square, root, cube, 25% (of), +10% (increase) or 3/4 (of).
Press Solve to see every running total with a quick mental-maths method for each step.

Tips

Split and add. To multiply 36 × 4, do 30 × 4 = 120 and 6 × 4 = 24, then add: 144.
Round and adjust. To add 39, add 40 and take away 1.
Percentages. 50% is half, 25% is half of a half, 10% is divide by 10, 75% is three quarters.
Fractions of. To find 3/4 of a number, divide by 4 and multiply by 3.

The full guide, with a worked example and common mistakes: How to play Number Chain.

Questions

Which level should children start with?

Easy suits ages 6–8 with tables up to 5 × 5; Medium suits ages 9–11.

Can I set my own chain?

Yes — the Number Chain Solver takes any chain you type and shows the working.

Is it good for a class?

Yes — put the daily chain on the board, or send it to Slate and work it together.

Are negative numbers used?

Generated chains stay positive; the solver accepts any whole-number chain.