Mental math test
One minute, as many answers as you can manage. The questions start with single-digit sums and step up each time you get two right quickly.
The clock starts when you press the button.
Type each answer. Right answers are accepted straight away; use Skip if you are stuck.
The six steps
- Single-digit sums, such as 17 + 6 and 23 − 7.
- The 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 times tables, and dividing by them.
- Two-digit addition and subtraction, and every table up to 12.
- Division facts, and simple percentages and fractions such as 25% of 80.
- Harder percentages and fractions, square numbers, and sums such as 17 × 6.
- Three-digit sums, percentages such as 35% of 240, and longer divisions.
Two quick correct answers in a row move you up a step. A skip moves you down one. Every answer is a whole number, so there is nothing to round.
What the score tells you, and what it does not
The score reflects one minute of arithmetic on one day: how many questions you answered and how far up the steps you got. It is useful for comparing against your own earlier attempts. It is not a measure of intelligence, and a low score says only that these calculations are not automatic for you yet, which practice changes.
How to improve your score
Most of the time in a test like this goes on facts that are nearly, but not quite, instant. The quickest gains usually come from the times tables, especially 6 to 9, and from having one reliable method for two-digit addition and subtraction. For percentages, learn to build everything from 10%. The article on getting better at mental math explains the approach.
Questions about the test
How is the mental math test scored?
Each correct answer scores the number of the step it came from, from 1 to 6. A single-digit sum is worth 1 point and a three-digit sum is worth 6, so reaching harder questions matters as much as answering quickly.
What does my score mean?
It is a practice score from one minute of arithmetic. It shows which kinds of question you reached and how quickly you answered them on that attempt. It is not an intelligence test and says nothing about your ability to learn math.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, as often as you like. The questions are different every time, and your best score is kept in this browser so you can see whether you are getting quicker.