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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

Let’s try something new (something both Magical and Mathematical)

How would you like to create your very own puzzle, a 4×4 Magic Square? If yes, let’s begin and create one for your birthday. The instructions below require your birthday numbers, where:

A = birthday MONTH (1 to 12)
B = birth DAY (1 to 31)
C = 1st two digits of your birthday YEAR
D = 2nd two digits of your birthday YEAR

STEP ONE: find your ‘magic’ number, by adding your four birthday numbers (A + B + C + D).

STEP TWO: Complete the 4×4 blank matrix below, using the instructions on the left.

STEP THREE: The ‘magical’ results can now be enjoyed. The sum of the four numbers in each of the rows, columns, two main diagonals and the four corners will all be equal to your magic number. Also, your magic number will equal the four number sum of each of the five internal 2×2 squares (located at the four corners and center of the main 4×4 square) as well as the four corner sum of each of the four internal 3×3 squares (located at the four corners of the main 4×4 square).

Follow these instructions

A	B	C	D
D+1	C-1	B-3	A+3
B-2	A+2	D+2	C-2
C+1	D-1	A+1	B-1

Enter your numbers here

Note: Depending on the numbers chosen, there could be acceptable negative values when filling in your matrix. Now, you own it. Aren’t the results interesting, mystical and magical?

You may like to continue and create additional 4×4 Magic Squares for other birthdays or just try any four numbers for A, B, C and D (for example 1/1/20/26, 12/25/20/25, 4/−3/2/−1, 5/5/5/5, etc.) and enjoy more magical results.

Magic squares are called “magic” because they combine a long cultural mystique with a simple, surprising arithmetic symmetry. Every row, column and main diagonal adds to the same fixed number, producing patterns and properties that feel unexpectedly ordered and elegant.

Feedback

There are more than one way of doing these puzzles and may well be more than one answer. Please let me and others know what alternatives you find by commenting below. We also welcome general comments on the subject and any feedback you'd like to give.

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Last month's solutions

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A medieval wall painting in Bedingham Castle depicts four knights wearing armor, surcoats and holding weapons; lining up to take part in a tournament. From the following wall paintings and clues, can you determine below each knight’s name, what weapon he is holding and the heraldic or blazon on his surcoat?

The Names of the Knights are, in no special order, Sir Edbert, Sir Gundolf, Sir Kenelm and Sir Rabart.
Their medieval Weapons are a battle-axe, broadsword, falchion, and mace.
Their Blazons are a bear passant, eagle displayed, lion rampant, and unicorn couchant.

Clues

Knight C has a ‘eagle displayed’ on his surcoat, the lion rampant blazon is not worn by the knight holding the broadsword.

Knight A is Sir Gundolf; he is not armed with a battle-axe.

The knight with the mace, who has the bear passant on his surcoat, is standing immediately to the right of Sir Edbert, as you look at image

Sir Rabart is depicted holding the curved blade called a falchion.