MATHCOUNTS Competition

What is MATHCOUNTS?

MATHCOUNTS is one of the most prestigious math competitions in the United States, specifically designed for students in grades 6–8. Run by the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, the competition aims to build problem-solving skills and foster a love for mathematics in middle schoolers.

The program includes four official rounds—School, Chapter, State, and National—as well as an exciting Math Video Challenge that encourages students to blend creativity with mathematical thinking.

When Does It Take Place?

• School Level: November – January (organized locally by coaches)
• Chapter Level: February
• State Level: March
• National Level: May

Exact dates may vary by region. Local coordinators can provide detailed scheduling.

Who Can Participate?

MATHCOUNTS is open to U.S. middle school students in grades 6 through 8. Participation is school-based, and each school can send up to 12 students—four on a team and up to eight individuals—to the Chapter round.

Students whose schools are not registered may still be able to compete as Non-School Competitors (NSC), typically through a homeschool or independent registration route.

Competition Format

The MATHCOUNTS Competition consists of four rounds, each testing different skills:

• Sprint Round: 30 questions in 40 minutes; no calculators allowed. Focuses on speed and accuracy.
• Target Round: 8 questions in 4 pairs; each pair has 6 minutes; calculators allowed. Focuses on problem solving and reasoning.
• Team Round: 10 questions in 20 minutes; calculators allowed. Collaboration among the 4-person team is key.
• Countdown Round: Fast-paced head-to-head buzzer round; no calculators; used officially only at the National level.

There is no multiple choice and no penalty for incorrect answers, but questions must be solved precisely.

How to Register

Schools must register through the official MATHCOUNTS website. A teacher, coach, or administrator typically handles registration. If your school is not currently enrolled, you can encourage them to join, or you may be eligible to register as a Non-School Competitor.

How to Prepare for MATHCOUNTS

Preparation involves solving past contest problems, taking timed mock exams, and reviewing mistakes strategically. Students should focus on topics like algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics.

Our MATHCOUNTS Prep Program offers both live and self-paced options to suit student needs. Courses cover contest-specific problem-solving strategies and help students develop confidence and speed under timed conditions.