To begin with, if you’ve ever stared at the clock thinking how to solve Countdown numbers faster, these seven tactics will save you precious seconds. In this guide, we’ll cover the patterns, a worked example, and finally show how to practise in the app.

First, scan for ×10/×9/×8. Next, pair small numbers to make clean bases. Then, build toward a nearby multiple of the target. Finally, keep a small number for a finishing nudge.

Tactic 1 — The 100-multiples ladder

Use 100/50/25 to scale up quickly, then adjust.

• Example: Target 764 with (75, 50, 9, 8, 7, 3)
  Try 9×8=72, 72×10≈720 (use 50+25−… to reach ×10 or ×9), then add/subtract small numbers to land on 764.

Tactic 2 — Make a clean ×10, ×9, ×8 with 25/50/75

• 10 = 6+4 or 50÷5
• 9 = 3×3 or 75÷(… )
  Build the multiplier first, then scale your base.

Tactic 3 — Pair to round numbers

Create 20/30/40 then multiply.

• Example: 7+3=10, 10×8=80, 80×9=720, then +50−6=764.

Tactic 4 — Use 25×4 = 100 (and cousins)

• 25×4=100, 50×2=100, 75×4/3=100
  Get a tidy 100/200, then add a small tweak.

Tactic 5 — Decompose the target

Break into (nice multiple) ± (small leftover).

• 764 → 720 + 44
  Build 720 first (e.g., 9×8×10), then make 44 from leftovers.

Tactic 6 — Two-step products

Make (a×b) ± (c×d) with small factors you can see quickly.

Tactic 7 — Don’t force exact early

Get within ±5 fast, then nudge with a leftover +/- 1–5.

Try alternative routes and time yourself—speed matters as much as elegance.

---

how to solve Countdown numbers — worked example

Target: 764 • Numbers: 75, 50, 9, 8, 7, 3
One clean way:

1. 9×8 = 72
2. 72×10 = 720 (10 from 7+3)
3. 720 + 50 − 6 = 764 (6 from 75−69 or 9−3=6)

Try alternative routes and time yourself—speed matters as much as elegance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Burning your 50/25/75 too early.
• Chasing exact too soon—get close first.
• Forgetting to leave a small nudge number for the end.

---

FAQ – how to solve Countdown numbers

Countdown Letters & Numbers — timed rounds, daily challenges, multiplayer, and leaderboards.

Now you know how to solve Countdown numbers using these tactics, practise a round a day to build speed and accuracy.

If you’re learning how to solve Countdown numbers under time pressure, the app’s timed rounds are perfect.

Practise how to solve Countdown numbers in the app

Further reading

• Countdown on Channel 4 (official)
• Countdown (game show) – overview & Numbers round
• Order of operations (BIDMAS/PEMDAS)
• Mental calculation strategies

---