Daily Target

Every day brings six numbers and a three-digit target. Combine the numbers with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to hit the target exactly, or finish as close as you can. Everyone gets the same puzzle, and the closest answers with the fewest steps top the daily leaderboard.

Your progress is saved in this browser.

How to play

Reach the target using the six numbers. Choose a number, an operation and a second number: the result replaces both numbers and can be used in later steps.
Every result must be a positive whole number. Subtraction cannot reach zero or go negative, and division must come out exactly. Each number is used once, and you do not have to use all six.
Submit when you are done. An exact hit submits automatically. Your score is how far your closest number is from the target; fewer steps break ties, and only the steps that built your closest number count.
There is one scored attempt per browser each day, and a new puzzle arrives at midnight UTC. After you submit, the page shows a best possible solution. Practice a random puzzle deals unscored ones. Undo and Reset are available before you submit, but each undo costs a step.
The day’s puzzle is built on our server. When you submit, your steps are sent so the server can replay them and rank the score it computes. Set a display name (✎, top right) to appear on the leaderboard; any submitted attempt counts toward your daily streak.

Questions

Can every Daily Target puzzle be solved exactly?

Yes. Each day’s numbers are built so that the target can be reached exactly. After you submit, the page shows a shortest solution.

Do I have to use all six numbers?

No. Use as many as you need. Only the steps that built your closest number are counted in your score.

How is Daily Target scored?

By distance from the target first, so an exact hit beats everything else, then by the fewest steps. The server replays your steps to work out the score rather than trusting the page.

Does an attempt that misses the target count toward my streak?

Yes. Any submitted Daily Target counts as a daily challenge played, and a closer answer ranks higher on the leaderboard.

Strategy guide

Daily Target Strategy: Reaching the Number — Daily Target strategy: get close with a big number, work back from its factors, save small numbers for the last adjustment and win ties with fewer steps.