I measure difficulty using a scale different from the CTC server. The two scales are comparable.
This scale is inspired by the osu! difficulty scale and the MODS server's scale.
My scale goes from 0 to 14 on normal puzzles, with higher difficulties representing harder puzzles. Yes, the scale goes above 14, but this blog rarely has a d15 or higher puzzle. Attached for each difficulty is an approximate real-life comparison in mathematics.
d0 \ The easiest a puzzle can get. This difficulty is generally reserved for some joke puzzles or really easy example puzzles. These puzzles practically require no effort whatsoever. \ Real-Life Comparison: Addition and subtraction with integers
d1 \ Most example puzzles fall in this difficulty. Puzzles here are almost never made as a joke, but are harder than d0 puzzles. This difficulty includes puzzles that many people, puzzle solvers or not, will find pretty easy. \ Real-Life Comparison: Multiplication and division with integers
d2 \ These puzzles are still very easy compared to the later difficulties. Some trickier example puzzles fall in this level. However, a lot of people inexperienced with puzzle solving will be unable to solve these puzzles. \ Real-Life Comparison: Order of operations with integers
d3 \ This difficulty contains some of the easier GAPPs (Genuinely Approachable Pencil Puzzles) on the Cracking the Cryptic discord server. For newer puzzle solvers, this difficulty isn’t too hard, but also not too easy. \ Real-Life Comparison: Order of operations with decimals and fractions
d4 \ Many GAPPs also fall into this difficulty. Someone who isn’t into puzzle solving would call a puzzle from this difficulty hard, while the average puzzle solver would call these puzzles easy. \ Real-Life Comparison: Multi-step word problems (generally with decimals)
d5 \ This difficulty contains most of the harder GAPPs, as well as some “supersized” GAPPs. These puzzles are still relatively easy to the average puzzle solver. \ Real-Life Comparison: Solving one-variable linear equations
d6 \ Many of the harder “supersized” GAPPs, as well as some GAPP bonus puzzles fall in here. The average puzzle solver would probably struggle on these puzzles a bit. \ Real-Life Comparison: Solving systems of two two-variable equations
d7 \ This puzzle reaches the end of GAPP territory, containing some of the hardest GAPPs (both regular and bonus). The average puzzle solver would struggle on these puzzles a bit more than on d6 puzzles. \ Real-Life Comparison: Basic polynomial factoring
d8 \ Puzzles in this level start to use advanced logic generally not seen in GAPPs. On their first time attempting these puzzles, the average solver would struggle quite a bit. \ Real-Life Example: Solving and graphing quadratics
d9 \ With enough dedication, the average solver would complete these puzzles. Experienced solvers would solve these puzzles rather quickly. \ Real-Life Example: Solving logarithmic, exponential, and rational equations
d10 \ The average solver most likely wouldn’t be able to complete puzzles at this difficulty. Experienced solvers may struggle with these puzzles, but would still solve them. \ Real-Life Example: Limits and continuity
d11 \ With a good amount of dedication, experienced solvers would be able to complete these puzzles. These puzzles generally use a lot of advanced logic and take much longer. \ Real-Life Example: Derivatives (including applications)
d12 \ With an insane amount of dedication, experienced solvers would be able to beat these puzzles. Insane skill would be needed to complete any puzzle above this difficulty. \ Real-Life Example: Integration and power series (including applications)
d13 \ These puzzles are reserved and intended only for experts of puzzle solving. Even solving 90% of the puzzle correctly with 10% being mistakes would be an insane event. Real-Life Example: IMO (2nd problem of each day), Putnam
d14 \ This difficulty contains come of the most difficult, tedious, and long puzzles, as well as some of the most advanced logic. Only masters should attempt these puzzles. \ Real-Life Example: IMO (3rd problem of each day)
d15+ \ ??? \ Real-Life Example: ???
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