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:
✅ 1x1 small squares
9
✅ 2x2 medium squares (each made of 4 small ones)
4
✅ 3x3 large square (the full grid)
1
Total Suares
14
It takes focused attention to spot all 14 — especially the overlapping medium-sized ones.
This is a classic example of a visual pattern recognition task, often used in cognitive training or IQ-style tests — not personality assessment.
What Your Answer Actually Reveals About You
Depending on how many squares you saw, here’s what might have happened:
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🔹 Saw only 9
You noticed the obvious — common under quick scanning or distraction
🔹 Saw 10–13
You caught some larger patterns but missed a few combinations
🔹 Saw all 14
Strong visual processing, attention to detail, and patience with pattern tasks
Factors that influence your count:
Attention span
Experience with puzzles
Cognitive flexibility
Time spent analyzing
Stress or fatigue levels
None of these are linked to narcissism.
Debunking the Narcissism Myth
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a clinical diagnosis defined by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Traits include:
Grandiosity
Need for excessive admiration
Lack of empathy
Exploitative behavior
Sense of entitlement
These cannot be measured by counting shapes.
Real assessments use structured interviews and validated tools like:
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