At first glance, the image above seems simple just a few colorful triangles stacked together. But look a little longer, and you might begin counting differently. Some see 9 triangles, others see 13, and a few claim to see more than 20 when they begin adding up all the hidden shapes.

This optical puzzle has gone viral for one reason: it’s not really about math — it’s about how you see the world.

The Illusion Behind the Triangles

The image forms a pyramid made of small, candy-colored triangles. Depending on how your mind organizes visual patterns, you might count only the individual pieces or begin connecting them into larger shapes.

Psychologists call this a Gestalt perception – our brain’s tendency to watch wholes rather than separate parts. When you see the image, your subconscious decides whether to focus on the details or the overall picture. And that choice says something amazing about your personality.

If You See 9 Triangles

You’re likely a realist. You center on what’s obvious and practical. You trust what you can clearly see, and you don’t waste time chasing possibilities that might not exist. In relationships and work, you check stability and simplicity.

However, this approach can sometimes make you overlook deeper meanings or hidden motives especially in people. You prefer clarity, but life doesn’t always come with clean edges.

If You See 13–16 Triangles

You’re a balanced observer. You spot details without losing sight of the big picture. You check understanding how things connect and often read between the lines.

People like you are intuitive but also analytical. You can sense when something feels “off,” but you still look for logical explanations. In social situations, you’re empathetic yet cautious – the perfect mix of heart and mind.

If You See More Than 20 Triangles

You might be what psychologists call a “pattern amplifier.” You see possibilities everywhere, even when they don’t exist yet. Your creativity and imagination drive you to connect every small detail into a grand design.

Now, here’s where the viral caption — “The number of triangles you see determines if you’re a narcissist” — comes into play.

People who overanalyze or exaggerate patterns may sometimes fall into self-centered thinking, assuming their interpretation is the only correct one. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re truly narcissistic but it could mean you have a strong ego, confidence in your perception, and a desire to be right.

In moderation, that’s a strength. But when taken too far, it can make you less receptive to others’ viewpoints.

The Fun Side of Personality Illusions

Tests like these aren’t meant to diagnose anyone — they’re just playful ways to reflect on how our minds work. Whether you saw 9, 13, or 27 triangles, what matters most is why you saw them.

Are you drawn to order or imagination? Do you focus on what’s in front of you, or what could be behind it?

Our brains are wired to find meaning even in simple shapes. That’s what makes humans endlessly curious — and sometimes, beautifully complicated.