The goal
Score as many of the 500 available points as you can. A run has five different questions, drawn at random from the question bank. Play again deals five new ones (how many questions are in a run).
Making a guess
Move the slider or type a number, then choose Lock in guess. The slider is logarithmic, so each step multiplies the value instead of adding to it. That makes it practical to guess anything from tens to billions (why the slider is logarithmic).
Once you lock in, the answer is revealed and the score is final. Until then you can move the slider or edit the number freely (can I change my guess).
Scoring
Each question scores up to 100 points by the ratio of your guess to the true answer, not by the raw difference. Double the answer or half the answer scores 70. A guess ten times too high or too low scores zero, and over-guessing and under-guessing score the same (how Closest Guess is scored).
After each guess you see the true answer, how far off you were and a short fact (where the answers come from).
Saving and sharing
There is no timer or public leaderboard. Your run is saved in this browser when storage is available, and your personal best is kept separately (is Closest Guess timed). New run asks for confirmation if you are partway through one. Share result opens your share sheet or copies a coloured score row and the game link.
Putting the rules to work
The Closest Guess strategy guide turns these rules into tips for better estimates, or play Closest Guess free now.
Closest Guess rules questions
How is Closest Guess scored?
Each question scores up to 100 points by the ratio of your guess to the true answer. Double or half scores 70, and ten times off scores zero.
Read the full answer →Why is the Closest Guess slider logarithmic?
The answers range from dozens to billions, so each slider step multiplies the value instead of adding to it. You can also type an exact number.
Read the full answer →How many questions are in a Closest Guess run?
A run has five different questions, drawn at random from the question bank. Play again deals five new ones, so no run repeats a question.
Read the full answer →Can I change my guess in Closest Guess?
No. Once you choose Lock in guess the answer is revealed and the score is final. Until then you can move the slider or edit the number freely.
Read the full answer →Is Closest Guess timed?
No. Closest Guess has no timer or public leaderboard. Your run and personal best are saved in this browser when storage is available.
Read the full answer →Where do the Closest Guess answers come from?
Answers are stable, widely published figures such as heights, distances and counts. Each reveal includes a short fact. Rounded or disputed values are noted.
Read the full answer →Play Closest Guess free →Your game is saved in this browser. No sign-up.