At first glance, it looks like a cookie with crisscrossed lines.
Or maybe a gridded pastry fresh from the oven.
But then comes the question:
“The number of squares you see determines if you’re a narcissist.”
Suddenly, everyone pauses.
Squints.
Counts again.
Is this really a window into your soul?
Does seeing 9 squares mean you’re self-absorbed?
What if you counted 14?
Let’s cut through the viral noise.
Because real psychology isn’t about internet quizzes.
It’s about understanding how we see the world — literally and figuratively.
So let’s explore what this puzzle actually says about your brain — and why no, it doesn’t reveal whether you’re a narcissist.
Spoiler: It’s just a fun test of pattern recognition.
🔍 The Puzzle: How Many Squares Are There?
Here’s what most people see in the image:
âś… 1×1 small squares
9
âś… 2×2 medium squares (each made of 4 small ones)
4
âś… 3×3 large square (the full grid)
1
Total Squares
14