Alright, puzzle lovers — it’s time to warm up your brain. At first glance, this might seem like the easiest challenge ever. Three big yellow circles. That’s it, right?
Wrong.
The real question is: How many circles do you actually see in the image below?
And here’s your first hint: it’s not 3.
Take a long look before you scroll down or shout your answer. Do you see anything else? Something a little… sneaky?
Before you go ahead and count, pause for a moment. This isn’t just a regular shape game. It’s a trick of perception — and most people get it wrong the first time.
Let’s Break It Down Together — Step by Step
So how do we solve this? Easy — let’s slow down, breathe, and really observe the image.
We’ll guide you step by step so that you not only get the right answer but also understand why it’s correct.
Step 1: Count the Obvious Ones
We’ll start easy. There are three big yellow circles. You saw them, we saw them, everyone sees them.
Video : ow many circles do you see 🧩
So we’ve got:
- Circle 1
- Circle 2
- Circle 3
Running Total: 3 Circles
But don’t stop here. Remember, the title literally says “NOT 3.”
So now let’s go deeper.
Step 2: Look at the Arrows Above and Below
If you look closely at the image, you’ll see several blue arrows — both pointing downward and upward.
Now pause for a second and ask yourself:
What shape is each arrow encased in?
Exactly. A circle.
There are four arrows total, each inside a perfect circular outline. They’re just smaller than the yellow ones, so your eyes might have missed them.
Let’s count them:
- 1 arrow above the left yellow circle
- 1 arrow above the middle yellow circle
- 2 arrows above the right yellow circle
Running Total: 3 (yellow) + 4 (arrow circles) = 7 Circles
Wait… That’s It? Just 7 Circles?
Yep, that’s the correct answer: SEVEN.
The real twist in this puzzle is that most people ignore the context of the arrows. Our eyes naturally focus on the bold, bright yellow shapes in the center — which is why we overlook the smaller circular outlines around the arrows.
And here’s the psychological catch: the arrows are pointing at the circles, so our brains are directed away from noticing that the arrows themselves are part of additional circles. Irony, right?
It’s like having a neon sign in front of your face that says, “Don’t look here.”
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
If you guessed “3” — don’t worry, you’re in good company. That’s the most common response.
Others might guess 6, thinking there’s an even number of small circles they missed. Some even say 4 or 5. But unless you spot all seven, you’re not getting full marks.
Here are a few reasons why people mess up:
- Tunnel vision: We focus on the biggest, boldest shapes and tune out the rest
- Assumptions: The phrase “how many circles” makes us think only of the obvious
- Speed: People rush to answer quickly without analyzing the full image
- Distraction by color: The yellow stands out — the blue fades away
This puzzle is the perfect reminder that attention to detail matters, and sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight.
Video : How many circles ⭕ are there?
Your Turn!
So now we want to hear from you:
- What was your first guess?
- Did you see all 7 circles right away?
- Or did this puzzle totally fool you?
Drop your answer in the comments. Tag someone who always brags about their attention to detail — and let’s see how they do.
Remember: The more you train your brain to notice what others miss, the sharper your thinking becomes.
Until next time, keep your eyes sharp and your mind curious. Because the truth? It’s not always what it seems.
