Both phrasal verbs are about learning something new, so learners swap them all the time. The difference is how you get the answer.
- Find out is about information. The answer is out there, and you go and get it.
- Figure out is about thinking. The answer isn't handed to you, and you work it out.
Find out: get the information
Use find out when the answer already exists somewhere, and you can learn it by asking, reading, looking or searching.
I need to find out what time the match starts.
Mia found out that the library closes at five.
Can you find out who won?
We found out about the surprise party by accident.
I'll ask Dad and find out.
Forms: find out, found out, found out.
It is usually followed by a question word (what, who, when, where, if), by that, or by about: find out about the trip.
Figure out: work it out
Use figure out when you have to think, solve or understand something. Nobody can just tell you, or you want to solve it yourself.
I can't figure out this maths problem.
Sam figured out how the puzzle works.
Can you figure the answer out?
We figured out that the cat had opened the fridge.
I'm still figuring out how to tie my new shoes.
Forms: figure out, figured out, figured out. For more on where the little word goes, see Figure Out.
Easy way to tell them apart
Ask: can I just look it up or ask someone?
- Yes: use find out. Find out the time of the film.
- No, I have to think: use figure out. Figure out the code.
Some things need both. You find out the facts first, and then you figure out what they mean.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
Find out = go and get it. Figure out = think it through.
You find out a bus time because a timetable has it. You figure out a riddle because the answer isn't written down anywhere.
⚠️ Common mistakes
A puzzle needs figuring out.
❌ I can't find out this puzzle.
✅ I can't figure out this puzzle.
For facts you can look up, use find out.
✅ I'll find out when the shop opens. (ask or check)
Less natural: I'll figure out when the shop opens. (it sounds as if you will guess from clues)
Good to know
Find out has a second meaning: to catch someone doing something wrong. The thief was found out. You can skip this meaning for now.
You can also figure out a person, meaning to understand them: I can't figure him out.
💬 In a conversation
Sam: Did you find out who ate the last biscuit?
Mia: No. But I figured out who it was.
Sam: How?
Mia: There are crumbs on the dog.
Sam: Did the dog confess?
Mia: No. But the dog is guilty.