What the “Counting Squares” Puzzle Really Reveals About Your Thinking

 A simple grid image recently appeared on social media. At first glance, it almost looks like a neatly cut
 cookie. But it’s the caption above that really catches the eye: “The number of squares you see determines whether you’re a narcissist.” The statement is meant to be ironic, but it undoubtedly makes you think and reflect.
This
 puzzle has sparked heated debate, not because it’s scientific, but because it plays with the idea that how we notice patterns might reveal something about how our minds work. For many older adults who enjoy visual
 puzzles, this small square grid has become a surprisingly stimulating exercise.
Let’s take a closer look at what the puzzle actually measures and what it doesn’t measure.
Step one: How many squares do you see?
When you first see the grid, you’ll probably immediately notice the nine small squares. But if you look more slowly and carefully, you’ll begin to notice other layers:
• Four medium squares created by grouping smaller ones
• One large square that forms the outline of the entire grid
In total, there are 14 hidden squares in the image. Finding them all requires a keen eye for structure and the ability to observe the image both closely and as a whole.
Online, people have turned the puzzle into a playful personality game. While these categories aren’t based on real psychology, they’re lighthearted ways to think about how the brain processes patterns:

6-8 squares:
You tend to look at the obvious and move on without overthinking it. You’re relaxed, practical, and not easily disturbed by small details.

9-11 boxes:
You enjoy problem-solving and have a steady, analytical mind. You maintain a balance between a broad vision and a knack for spotting patterns.

12-14 squares:
You see layers and connections that many miss. You have a keen eye for detail and strong pattern recognition. Online jokes label this group “a bit self-centered,” but this is simply a playful mockery, not a reflection of their personality.

 

Why this

seems strangely accurate

This image is not a diagnostic tool, nor is it related to personality disorders or mental health assessments. It simply shows how people process visual information differently.

Some people naturally analyze the overall shape before focusing on the finer details. Others immediately focus on the small details and focus on the external. Neither approach is right or wrong; they are just different ways of organizing information.

 

The provocative reference to “narcissism” in the viral caption hints at something lighter: how much time a person would spend analyzing a simple challenge, or how seriously they’d take small differences. It’s all meant as light humor.

In fact, your attitude toward the puzzle says much more than the number you counted. Were you proud of having found them all? Did you laugh when you realized you’d missed a few? Did you keep scrolling without thinking twice? Each answer reflects your natural temperament: curious, relaxed, thoughtful, or simply amused.

The silent lesson behind the “square biscuit test”

One of the reasons this visual
 puzzle is so successful is that it reflects the way we break down the world. Think of the squares as fragments of life: responsibilities, relationships, hobbies, challenges, hopes. Some people focus on the individual pieces. Others instinctively see how the parts connect to form a bigger picture. Both approaches are equally valuable.
This little grid reminds us that awareness manifests itself in many forms. Noticing recurring patterns, identifying connections, or simply enjoying a moment of curiosity are all signs of a healthy and active mind. Engaging in light  brainteasers  like this can be a refreshing way to maintain mental flexibility at any age. 
So… what does your answer mean?

 
It doesn’t label you.
It doesn’t define your personality.
And it certainly doesn’t say anything about your deepest traits.
What it shows is that you were interested enough to stop, look more closely, and explore the workings of your mind. This willingness to remain curious is one of the strongest signs of continuous learning and emotional vitality.
The next time a puzzle like this pops up on your screen, enjoy it for what it is: a moment of mental play, a spark of curiosity, and an opportunity to appreciate how your mind finds order in simple shapes.