Sudoku has been the king of number puzzles for decades. But there's a challenger gaining ground: Make 24. If you're looking for something fresh—or wondering which puzzle gives you the best brain workout—this head-to-head comparison will help you decide.
The Case for Sudoku
Sudoku is a logic puzzle at heart. Despite using numbers 1-9, it doesn't actually involve arithmetic. Instead, it tests your ability to recognize patterns, use elimination, and maintain focus across a 9×9 grid.
Cognitive benefits of Sudoku:
- Pattern recognition: Spotting where numbers can and can't go
- Spatial reasoning: Tracking rows, columns, and 3×3 boxes simultaneously
- Sustained attention: Maintaining focus through lengthy puzzles
- Working memory: Holding multiple possibilities in mind
Sudoku is also wonderfully accessible. The rules are simple, difficulty scales smoothly from beginner to expert, and puzzles are everywhere—newspapers, apps, books.
The Case for Make 24
Make 24 takes a different approach. You're given four numbers and must combine them using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to reach exactly 24. Unlike Sudoku, this is pure arithmetic—but with a creative twist.
Cognitive benefits of Make 24:
- Arithmetic fluency: Active practice with all four operations
- Creative thinking: Multiple solutions require flexible approaches
- Number sense: Deep understanding of how numbers relate
- Algebraic preparation: Thinking backwards from a target answer
Make 24 is also faster. A single puzzle takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes, making it perfect for quick brain breaks. Learn more about strategies in our Make 24 strategy guide.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Aspect | Sudoku | Make 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Skill | Logic & Patterns | Arithmetic & Creativity |
| Time per Puzzle | 10-60 minutes | 1-3 minutes |
| Math Required | None (pure logic) | All 4 operations |
| Multiple Solutions | No (one answer) | Yes (often 5-20+) |
| Best For | Long focus sessions | Quick brain breaks |
| Age Range | 8+ to adult | 10+ to adult |
Which Is Better for Your Brain?
The honest answer? Both. They train different cognitive skills, so combining them gives you the most complete mental workout.
Choose Sudoku if you:
- Want to improve logical deduction
- Enjoy longer, meditative puzzle sessions
- Prefer puzzles with a single definitive answer
- Want to boost spatial reasoning
Choose Make 24 if you:
- Want to sharpen mental math skills
- Have limited time (perfect for breaks)
- Enjoy finding creative solutions
- Are preparing for or reinforcing algebra concepts
The Best Strategy: Variety
Research on brain health shows that cognitive benefits plateau when you do the same activity repeatedly. Your brain gets efficient at Sudoku specifically—which is great for Sudoku, but limited for overall cognitive fitness.
Mixing puzzle types forces your brain to adapt. Consider a rotation: Sudoku for your longer morning session, Make 24 for a midday break, and Equation Wordle to unwind in the evening.
Ready to Expand Your Puzzle Repertoire?
If Sudoku has been your only number puzzle, Make 24 is the perfect complement. If you've never tried either, start with whichever appeals most—then branch out. For even more variety, check out our guide to 5 brain exercises better than Sudoku. The goal isn't to replace one with the other; it's to give your brain the varied workout it craves.
🎯 Try Make 24 now
Challenge yourself with our free Make 24 puzzle—it takes less than 3 minutes, and you might discover a new favorite.