Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Go to surfshark.com/standupmaths or use code standupmaths at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Try out Christian’s self-referential pixel generator here: matt-parker-count-black-pixels.think.somethingorotherwhatever.com/index.html
And get your birthday cards here: matt-parker-count-black-pixels.think.somethingorotherwhatever.com/birthday.html

The original Reddit post: reddit.com/r/mathpics/comments/1g45j1r/this_image_contains_76018_black_pixels
And the tiny pixel font: reddit.com/r/PixelArt/comments/ppcd19/smallest_legible_pixel_fonts
CaryKH’s video: youtube.com/watch?v=uMogvkogvhE
The XKCD comic: xkcd.com/688
And the blog investigating it: blog.wolfram.com/2010/09/07/self-description
Laura’s interview of Randall: dropbox.com/scl/fi/gku69d8vxdsvygola5xg2/The-mathematichs-behind-xkcd.pdf?rlkey=72s84n5udb909du1msqrtjfre&dl=0

Huge thanks to Linus for his font wisdom - check out his channel here: youtube.com/linusboman

You know I'm at the Edinburgh Fringe and on tour again! standupmaths.com/shows

Huge thanks to my Patreon supporters. I can always pixel count on them. patreon.com/standupmaths

CORRECTIONS
- None yet, let me know if you spot anything!
Filming and editing by Alex Genn-Bash
Written and performed by Matt Parker
Produced by Nicole Jacobus
Music by Howard Carter
Design by Simon Wright and Adam Robinson


MATT PARKER: Stand-up Mathematician
Website: standupmaths.com