One at a Time
On each turn, you may move only the top disk from one tower to another.
Size Rule
You may never place a larger disk on top of a smaller one.
Minimum Moves
Try to solve the puzzle in the target number of moves for your chosen level.
The Tower of Hanoi is an iconic logic puzzle that trains algorithmic thinking and multi-step planning. To move every disk legally, you must look beyond the next turn and anticipate the moves that follow.
It is especially useful practice for anyone interested in programming logic or mathematical optimization. Finding the shortest error-free solution builds patience, focus and resilience in problem-solving.
The Tower of Hanoi is a classic logic puzzle with three rods and a stack of disks in different sizes. Every disk starts on one rod, largest at the bottom and smallest at the top. Your task is to rebuild the same tower on another rod while following two simple rules.
French mathematician Édouard Lucas introduced the puzzle in 1883. His story featured temple priests moving 64 golden disks. A perfect solution would take more than 18 quintillion moves, so our free online version keeps things friendlier with 3 to 6 disks.
The easiest way to solve the puzzle is to break one large problem into smaller versions of the same problem:
Quick tip: with an odd number of disks, move the smallest disk toward the target rod first. With an even number, move it toward the spare rod.
The shortest solution always follows 2n − 1, where n is the number of disks. Every added disk almost doubles the work:
| Disks | Minimum Moves |
|---|---|
| 3 | 7 |
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 31 |
| 6 | 63 |
| 7 | 127 |
| 8 | 255 |
| 10 | 1,023 |
This small puzzle works several useful mental skills at once:
The minimum is 2 to the power of n, minus 1, where n is the number of disks. That means 7 moves for 3 disks, 15 for 4, 31 for 5 and 63 for 6.
French mathematician Édouard Lucas introduced the puzzle in 1883 together with the legend of a temple and 64 golden disks.
Yes. You can play free on Test Merkezim without creating an account or installing anything.
You can play with 3, 4, 5 or 6 disks. Each disk count has its own leaderboard category.
Click the rod holding the top disk, then click the destination rod. A larger disk cannot be placed on a smaller disk.
You earn three stars for the mathematical minimum, two for up to one and a half times the minimum, and one for any longer valid solution.
Lower move counts rank higher. Complete the same disk level in fewer moves to improve your score and personal best.
Yes. Three or four disks are approachable for children, while five and six disks provide a stronger challenge for older players and adults.
Begin with three disks and learn the rhythm. Then add disks and chase the minimum move count.
Want another challenge? Browse all brain games or take the free IQ test.