These free printable math target number puzzles challenge kids to use a set of given digits to create equations that match a target number.
The printable math worksheets go beyond basic math practice by encouraging kids to think critically, try different strategies, and build confidence with multi-step problems.
The math puzzles are a hands-on way to practice:
- order of operations
- addition
- subtraction
- multiplication
- division
- flexible thinking
With multiple levels included, these worksheets work well for 3rd–6th grade students.
Along with the puzzle-style pages, there’s also a worksheet focused on solving equations, giving kids a chance to practice both building and solving math expressions.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, homeschooling, or looking for meaningful math practice at home, these puzzles will make math feel more like a game than a worksheet.
The light spring-themed designs (like flowers and sunshine) add a fun seasonal touch, while still being useful any time.
Difficulty Levels
There are 4 different pages of math equation puzzles. They are designed with progressive difficulty, making it easy to choose the right level for your child or students:
- Beginner (Grades 3–4): Simple equations using basic operations
- Intermediate (Grades 4–5): Requires more planning and use of parentheses
- Advanced (Grades 5–6): Multi-step problem solving with flexible thinking
- Fluency & Practice (Grades 5–6): Focuses on solving expressions using order of operations, with an optional timed challenge
You can use them all together for differentiation or pick the level that best fits your learner.
How to Solve These Math Brain Teasers
You are given a set of digits and a target number.
Your goal: create an equation that equals the target number.
Rules
- Use all digits exactly once.
- You may use the four (4) basic operations: +, −, ×, ÷
- Parentheses are allowed.
- You may square a number (for example, 3² = 9) *
- Note squaring numbers only applies to the difficult puzzle worksheet.
Tip: Try different combinations and use parentheses to change the order of operations. There may be more than one solution!
Here are some examples:
Page 1: Beginner Math Target Number Puzzles
This page is a great introduction to the activity. Students use the given digits to create simple equations that match the target number.
It’s good for helping students get comfortable with:
- combining numbers
- basic multiplication and addition
- understanding how equations work
Page 2: Intermediate Math Equation Puzzles
On this page, students need to think a little more strategically. The problems require more planning and often involve grouping numbers correctly.
This level helps build:
- stronger understanding of order of operations
- problem-solving confidence
- flexibility in how numbers can be used
Page 3: Advanced Math Puzzles
These puzzles take things up a notch with more complex combinations and multiple steps.
Students will need to:
- think ahead before solving
- try different strategies
- adjust their approach if something doesn’t work
This level is perfect for students ready for a real math challenge.
Page 4: Order of Operations Worksheet
This page shifts the focus from creating equations to solving them correctly.
Students are given expressions and need to apply the correct order of operations to find each answer. It’s a great way to build accuracy and confidence with multi-step problems.
You can also turn this page into a fun challenge by timing how long it takes to complete, but it works just as well as a regular worksheet.
This page is ideal for:
- reinforcing order of operations
- building math fluency
- quick practice or review
- warm-ups or early finisher work
Download and Print
This printable is free to download and easy to use.
To get your copy:
- Enter your email in either form below
- Check your inbox for the PDF
- Download and print
Print pages 2 to 5 to print the puzzle worksheets.
The other pages are an instruction, an answer, and a copyright page – pages you probably don’t need to print.
The puzzle worksheets print in black and white on regular 8.5″ X 11″ letter-size paper.
These worksheets are designed to be no prep, making them perfect for classrooms, homeschool use, or extra practice at home.
Answer Key
An answer key is included to make checking work quick and easy.
Because some puzzles can be solved in different ways, your students may come up with correct answers that look different. That’s a great sign of strong mathematical thinking!
Easy Math Equation Puzzle Answer Key
Medium Math Target Puzzle Worksheet Answer Key
Difficult Math Equation Puzzle Answer Key
Order of Operations Worksheet Answer Key
If your students need to brush up on their multiplication skills, you might enjoy these printable multiplication charts and worksheets, or maybe these multiplication flashcards.