Number Order Challenge

Play the Number Order Challenge

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Tap two tiles in a line to swapGreen total = line done🔒 tiles are fixed

How to play Number Order Challenge

Every row and every column holds exactly the same numbers, just in a different order, with signs between them and a total at the end. Rearrange them so every line makes its total.

The catch is BODMAS: 3 + 5 × 2 is 13, not 16, because the multiplication comes first. So the same three numbers can make quite different totals depending on their order.

On the Expert levels and above the signs move as well as the numbers. Every puzzle has exactly one answer; locked tiles are there to make sure of it.

How to play Number Order

Rearrange the same set of numbers in every row and column so each line, worked out with BODMAS, makes its total.

The rules

Every row and every column contains the same numbers once each (and, on the top levels, the same signs).
Signs sit between the numbers; each line's total is shown at its end.
Work each line out with BODMAS: powers first, then × and ÷ from left to right, then + and − from left to right. Division must come out whole.
Swap tiles within a row or a column until every total is right. Locked tiles cannot move.

Playing here

Choose a level — from 3×3 with + and − up to 5×5 with powers and moving signs — then press New Puzzle.
Tap a tile, then another tile in the same row or column, to swap them (or drag one onto the other). Locked tiles stay put.
Each line is worked out with BODMAS: powers, then × and ÷ left to right, then + and −. A total turns green when its line is right.
Hint sets the next line you can be sure of and explains why — the only order of its numbers that makes its total.

Tips

List the orders. With three numbers there are only six orders. Work out each one's total and see which match.
Multiplication first. In a line with ×, the two numbers either side of it matter most — try the big totals with the big numbers there.
Rows help columns. Once a row is fixed, each column has one of its numbers settled, which cuts that column's choices.
Watch the division. A ÷ only works if the left side divides exactly, which rules out many orders at once.

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

Questions

Is there only one answer?

Yes — every puzzle is checked, and locked tiles are added where needed to make it unique.

When do the signs move?

From level 5 (Expert) the signs can be swapped within their row or column too.

What does ^ mean?

A power: 2 ^ 3 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. It is worked out before × and ÷. Powers appear on the Genius level.