Comparison

Equate 8 vs Equation Pyramid

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Equate 8

This math puzzle game challenges players to rearrange numbers in a 3x3 grid to solve eight equations simultaneously. It offers escalating difficulty, medals for efficiency, and a daily puzzle for free play. The game also serves as an educational tool, with features for educators to design custom levels.

Highlights
  • Magic square reimagining
  • Balance eight equations
  • Multiple operators
  • Escalating difficulty levels
  • Medals for efficiency
  • Daily puzzle
  • Snap Mode for assistance
Features
Read full description

Equate 8 is a bold reimagining of the classic magic square—an innovative, addictive math puzzle featured at New York City’s Museum of Mathematics. Players rearrange numbers in a 3×3 grid to balance eight equations at once (three rows, three columns, two diagonals), racing to solve the puzzle in the fewest moves. With multiple operators, escalating difficulty levels, and medals awarded for efficiency, Equate 8 is as rewarding as it is challenging. Equate 8 is the sequel to our Webby-nominated game The Devil’s Calculator, named one of PAX’s 10 Best Indie Games of 2019. Disguised as a casual mobile game, Equate 8 is a powerful interactive learning tool. Our talk will explore the sophisticated math behind the project and debut a new feature allowing educators to design levels aligned with their curricula. With its blend of pedagogical depth, intuitive design, and playful challenge, Equate 8 shows how games can transform math education. It empowers students, supports teachers, and makes math feel like play. Solving the grid in fewer moves will gain a silver or gold medal, but a bronze is awarded regardless, so don't stress. The daily puzzle gives players a free way to play and unlock content. Acquire “streaks” tokens by playing regularly. Exchange medals and streaks for Challenges, packs of themed puzzles. If the squares seem too complicated, open the menu to try Snap Mode. A number will automatically be locked (circled) when in the correct place. This mode can be played in a limited number of sequences before it reverts to the default. Donate to our nonprofit for access to unlimited difficulty levels.Equate 8 is a fun casual game for all ages, whether practicing math skills or engaging brainpower. Donations support the mission of Cinq-Mars Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to develop educational games, always provided free to teachers and students.

About

Equation Pyramid

Features
Read full description

Equation Pyramid is a fast-paced mental math puzzle. Each round gives you a target number and a pyramid of numbered tiles. Find tile combinations whose equation equals the target — before the timer runs out. Simple rules, endless depth. ● Quick rounds. Each puzzle is seconds to start, minutes to finish. ● Solo or multiplayer. Play alone to chase high scores, or match up with a friend in real-time over Game Center. ● No ads. No microtransactions. No nonsense. ● Built for iPhone. Play landscape or portrait. Equation Pyramid is for people who enjoy a tight, honest math challenge — students warming up for the day, adults keeping the mental gears sharp, anyone who likes puzzles without the slot-machine feel of modern mobile games. Download once. Play forever.

Screenshots

Equate 84 screens
Equation Pyramid4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Equation Pyramid at none against Equate 8's 1. Equate 8's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Equate 8 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Equation Pyramid asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Equate 8 ships an update weekly, Equation Pyramid every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Equate 8 versus Equation Pyramid: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEquate 8Equation Pyramid
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (14 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings14 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS11.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCinq-Mars MediaRolando Parame

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Equate 8

One-time1
  • Endless Levels!$2.99
None

Equation Pyramid

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Equate 8 free?
Equate 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Equation Pyramid free?
Equation Pyramid is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Equate 8 or Equation Pyramid have ads?
Neither Equate 8 nor Equation Pyramid shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Equate 8 or Equation Pyramid?
Equate 8 ships an update weekly, and Equation Pyramid every 3 weeks. Most recently, Equate 8 was updated on October 18, 2026 and Equation Pyramid on October 5, 2026.

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