It’s tempting to count the colorful ice cream cones in this picture and immediately say nine. After all, the main cones form a clear three-by-three arrangement. But the picture includes some extra treats.
How many ice cream cones are in the picture?
There are 12 ice cream cones in total. Nine large cones are easy to see, plus three smaller cones partly hidden behind them.
Where are the three hidden cones?
Check behind the large chocolate cone in the top middle of the image. A smaller mint-green cone peeks out on its right side. Next, look behind the cookies-and-cream cone in the middle row, where a small pink cone is partially visible. Finally, inspect the lower-middle chocolate cone for a small yellow ice cream cone hiding nearby.
A quick visual attention test
The trick is to look beyond the obvious grid. Our eyes naturally focus on the biggest and brightest objects and may ignore little shapes in the gaps.
For the most accurate count, first identify the nine large cones and then scan behind each one for smaller additions. Did you spot all 12 without help?
