MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is a national nonprofit math program for grades 6–8. It runs the in-person Competition Series, from school level to nationals, and the free National Math Club, plus free practice resources like Problem of the Week.
What is MATHCOUNTS?
MATHCOUNTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs math programs for middle schoolers in every U.S. state and territory. It is best known for the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, a "bee" style contest that starts at the school level and ends at a national championship. It also runs the free National Math Club and publishes free practice problems.
It is not a curriculum. Your child still needs a regular math program; MATHCOUNTS adds challenge, goals and a team to work with.
How it works
The Competition Series has four in-person levels for 2026–27:
- School: November 2026 to January 2027, scheduled by the coach
- Chapter: February 2027
- State: March 2027
- National: May 9–10, 2027, in Washington, DC
Each contest has four rounds: Sprint, Target, Team and Countdown. The Team round is worked as a group, and the full contest takes about 3 hours.
The National Math Club is free. A club needs at least 4 eligible students in grades 6–8 who meet regularly, in person or online. Leaders get games, problem sets and a suggested calendar of activities lasting 30 to 90 minutes each. Clubs that meet at least 5 times earn Silver status, and those that also complete a project earn Gold.
What it covers
MATHCOUNTS problems are built from middle school math and aim to build problem-solving skills rather than test memorized procedures. Free and low-cost resources include Problem of the Week, MATHCOUNTS Minis, practice plans, past competitions and a video library, and the MATHCOUNTS Trainer is offered through Art of Problem Solving.
Who it's best for
MATHCOUNTS fits middle schoolers who already enjoy math and want something harder, homeschool co-ops that want a club or team, and students heading toward high school contests. It pairs well with a challenging course from Art of Problem Solving or a fast-paced program like Math Academy.
Skip the competition if your child finds timed contests stressful. The free problems are still worth a look.
Homeschool registration
Home schools register for the Competition Series the same way other schools do, and also submit a Home School Participation Form. Homeschoolers count as school-based competitors even if they take some classes through a virtual program. Tutoring or enrichment centers that are not a student's official school of record can't register them. See homeschool math options for middle school for curriculum to pair with it.
Pricing at a glance
For 2026–27, registration is $42 per student by Nov. 3, 2026, $48 by Dec. 15, and $53 after that, with half off for Title I schools. The National Math Club is free. Plan for travel costs if your student advances.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Maybe, but don't count on it. Contest fees are not curriculum, and each program sets its own expense rules. Check your state's program before paying, using our scholarship guides by state. Families can still save MATHCOUNTS to a wishlist alongside the curriculum it pairs with, and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Art of Problem Solving offers courses built for contest math.
- Beast Academy builds the same puzzle-solving habits in elementary school.
- Brilliant is a self-paced problem-solving app for older students.
Browse more math enrichment or all math programs.
Who MATHCOUNTS is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Middle schoolers who love hard problems
- Homeschool co-ops wanting a math club or team
- Students preparing for high school contests like AMC
- Families who want free, high-quality challenge problems
Look elsewhere if
- Families looking for a full math curriculum
- Students outside grades 6–8
- Kids who find timed competition stressful
MATHCOUNTS pros and cons
Pros
- Free National Math Club resources for any eligible group
- Large archive of past problems for practice
- Clear path from school to chapter, state and national contests
- Homeschools register just like other schools
- Team round builds collaboration, not just speed
Cons
- Not a curriculum; it supplements regular math
- Students can compete for only 3 years, grades 6–8
- Contests are in person, which can mean travel
- Fees and deadlines change each year
What’s included
- Competition Series: school, chapter, state and national rounds
- Four rounds per contest: Sprint, Target, Team and Countdown
- Free National Math Club with meeting resources
- Free Problem of the Week and past competition materials
- Homeschools can register as schools
MATHCOUNTS levels
There is no placement test. Any full-time student in grades 6–8 can take part; the rules page explains eligibility, homeschool registration and deadlines.
Official MATHCOUNTS placement test ↗How much does MATHCOUNTS cost?
Schools, including home schools, register students for the Competition Series each year. For 2026–27, the fee is $42 per student if postmarked by Nov. 3, 2026; $48 by Dec. 15, 2026; and $53 after that. A school can register up to 14 students (one team of 4 plus 10 individuals), capped at $588, $672 or $742 by deadline. Title I schools pay half. Non-school competitors (NSCs) pay $75, or $85 after Dec. 15. The National Math Club is free.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition Series, early bird (per student) | $42/yr | Yearly | $3.50/mo |
| Competition Series, regular (per student) | $48/yr | Yearly | $4/mo |
| Competition Series, late (per student) | $53/yr | Yearly | $4.42/mo |
| Non-school competitor, regular | $75/yr | Yearly | $6.25/mo |
| National Math Club | Free | Yearly | Free |
Free trial: Not applicable. Many practice resources are free to use.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
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MATHCOUNTS FAQs
What is MATHCOUNTS?
MATHCOUNTS is a nonprofit that runs math programs for students in grades 6–8 across the U.S. Its two main programs are the in-person Competition Series and the free National Math Club.
Can homeschoolers do MATHCOUNTS?
Yes. Home schools can register for the Competition Series like public, private and charter schools, and must also file a Home School Participation Form. Homeschoolers register as school-based competitors, not as non-school competitors.
How much does MATHCOUNTS cost?
For 2026–27, Competition Series registration is $42 per student by Nov. 3, 2026, $48 by Dec. 15, 2026, and $53 after that. Non-school competitors pay $75 or $85. The National Math Club is free.
What are the MATHCOUNTS competition rounds?
Every level has four rounds: Sprint, Target, Team and Countdown. Together they take about 3 hours.
When is the MATHCOUNTS national competition?
For 2026–27, school competitions run November to January, chapter contests in February 2027, state contests in March 2027, and nationals May 9–10, 2027, in Washington, DC.
How many years can a student compete?
A student can compete in the Competition Series for at most 3 years, during grades 6–8.
Is MATHCOUNTS worth it if my child won't make nationals?
Many families think so. The practice problems build real problem-solving skills, and the free club works for any group of at least 4 eligible students that meets regularly.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: