Overview
MATHCOUNTS is a United States middle-school mathematics programme. Its Competition Series moves students from school contests up to a national contest.
Who can take it
The Competition Series is for students in grades 6 to 8.
Levels or stages
Competition runs at four levels: school, chapter, state and national. Students advance by performance. The MATHCOUNTS site states that no extra fees are needed for competitors to advance to the state level.
Exam pattern
| Round | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sprint | 40 minutes, 30 problems, no calculator, tests speed and accuracy |
| Target | Four pairs of problems, 6 minutes per pair, calculator allowed, tests reasoning |
| Team | 20 minutes, 10 problems, calculator allowed, four team members work together |
| Countdown | Up to 45 seconds a problem, no calculator, optional at lower levels |
Important dates
For 2026-27, school competitions run from August 2026 to January 2027, chapter competitions in February 2027 and state competitions in March 2027. The national competition is on 9 and 10 May 2027.
How to apply
The site states that registration is open for 2026-27. Register through the MATHCOUNTS site; the registration page gives the fee, which this page does not state.
Preparation tips
Use past Sprint and Target rounds for timed practice.
Practise team problems with the people you will compete with.
Which grades can compete?
Grades 6 to 8.