Nerdle Answer Today: 5 January 2026 (Hints and Solution)

Nerdle is the daily math-and-logic puzzle where you must arrange numbers and operators into a correct equation. For 5 January 2026, today’s puzzle felt tricky thanks to its unusual operator placement and the way the digits interacted. If you found yourself second-guessing your arrangement, you’re not alone. Below, you’ll find helpful hints and—when you’re ready—the complete solution.

Nerdle Classic Answer for 5 January 2026

Nerdle Maxi Answer for 5 January 2026

Nerdle Mini Answer for 5 January 2026

Nerdle Micro Answer for 5 January 2026

How to play Nerdle

Nerdle is a daily math puzzle game where the goal is to guess a hidden mathematical equation. Instead of guessing words, you create equations using numbers and math symbols. Each puzzle gives you six attempts to find the correct answer.

Every guess must be a valid equation made of exactly 8 tiles. These tiles can include numbers, mathematical operators, and an equals sign. The equals sign (=) is mandatory, and at least one number must appear on both sides of it. The operators you can use are addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (*), and division (/).

Once you submit a guess, Nerdle gives you feedback using colors.

• Green means the tile is correct and in the right position.
• Purple means the tile is correct but in the wrong position.
• Black means the tile does not appear in the solution at all.

This color system helps you slowly build toward the correct equation by keeping what works and removing what doesn’t.

Another important rule is that all equations must follow standard math order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). This means multiplication and division are calculated before addition and subtraction. For example, 2+3*4=14 is valid, but 2+3*4=20 is not. Even if the tiles look right, Nerdle will reject any equation that breaks basic math rules.

• You must create a mathematically correct equation using 8 tiles.
• Numbers and the equals sign are required.
• Operators can include +, -, *, /.
• Tiles change colors to show correctness and correct position.
• The solution must obey standard math order.

How to solve Nerdle efficiently

To solve Nerdle faster, your first guess should include a good mix of numbers and operators. Avoid repeating the same digit too many times early on. Using different symbols helps you quickly learn which operators are part of the final equation.

One of the most important things to figure out early is the position of the equals sign. Every valid equation has a left side and a right side, so once you know where = belongs, many impossible combinations disappear. In most puzzles, the equals sign appears somewhere in the middle, not at the ends.

Always pay close attention to the color feedback.

• Lock in green tiles and keep them in the same spot.
• Move purple tiles to new positions in later guesses.
• Completely avoid black tiles in future attempts.

Another helpful trick is checking whether the answer ends with a single-digit number or a two-digit number. This can often be guessed based on which number tiles turn green or purple on the right side of the equation.

If you get stuck, don’t panic. Instead of adding random numbers, try rearranging operators or switching their order. Sometimes the right numbers are already there, but the math itself is structured incorrectly.

Most importantly, always submit real, valid equations. Random strings of numbers rarely help and often waste attempts. Logical guesses that follow math rules will always give you better information.

With practice, Nerdle becomes less about luck and more about smart elimination and pattern recognition.

• Begin with a wide variety of numbers and operators.
• Narrow down the equals sign placement quickly.
• Use color feedback (green/purple/black) to eliminate possibilities.
• Test whether the equation ends in a single digit or two digits.
• When stuck, try rearranging operators.
• Prioritize valid equations over random number strings.

Final thoughts

Today’s Nerdle leaned more toward an operator-focused challenge, as the double subtraction sequence made the solution feel deceptively simple yet easy to overlook. If it took you a couple of tries, you’re in good company. Share your approach in the comments, and be sure to return tomorrow for another fresh Nerdle puzzle solution!