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One Quick Try

Mental Math Test

A minute of quick sums, all in your head. How many can you get right?

Type
Logic
Takes
about 1 min
Result in
correct answers

Mental Math

~1 min

  1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide in your head.
  2. Type the answer: a right one moves on by itself. Enter or Skip passes.
  3. You have 60 seconds. Every answer is a whole number.

Times tables go up to 12 × 12; divisions always come out exact.

Your result: — correct

How it's measured

Try another challenge

  • Make 24

    Use all four numbers to make 24.~2-4 min

  • Shape Equations

    Each shape is a number. Work them out.~2-4 min

  • Digit Span

    Repeat the digits, forward or backward.~2-4 min

  • Typing Speed

    Type common words for 30 or 60 seconds.~1 min

  • Code Breaker

    Crack the hidden four-colour code.~2-5 min

  • Dot Counting

    Dots flash for a moment. How many were there?~1 min

How does the mental math test work?

You get 60 seconds. A sum appears; type the answer and, as soon as it is right, the next sum appears without pressing Enter. If you are stuck, Enter or Skip passes it, which counts as a miss. The sums mix all four operations, and every answer is a whole number, so you can type it on a phone's number pad.

What kind of sums are they?

  • Addition of two numbers from 10 to 99.
  • Subtraction where the answer is never negative.
  • Multiplication from the times tables, up to 12 × 12.
  • Division that always comes out exact, such as 84 ÷ 7.

How is your result calculated?

Your result is the number of sums you answered right in 60 seconds. You also see how many you passed, and your average time per right answer, which is 60 seconds divided by your score.

How do you get faster at mental math?

  • Add from the left. For 47 + 38, add the tens first (40 + 30 = 70), then the ones (7 + 8 = 15): 85. You get the size of the answer at once, and only one carry to think about.
  • Round and correct. 63 − 29 is 63 − 30 + 1 = 34. Taking away a round number is quicker than borrowing.
  • Know your times tables cold. Division here is a times table run backwards: 72 ÷ 8 is "what times 8 is 72?"
  • Type as you think. The answer is accepted the moment it is right, so there is no need to check before moving on.

For number puzzles that take more thought than speed, try Make 24 or the Shape Equation Puzzle.

Questions

Can I use a calculator?
You could, but then it isn't mental math. The test is for practising sums in your head.
Do wrong answers count against me?
A wrong answer isn't accepted, so you can fix it. Passing a sum with Enter or Skip counts as a miss, shown with your result.
Are there negative numbers or decimals?
No. Every answer is a whole number of zero or more, and every division comes out exact.
Does it get harder as I go?
No, the mix stays the same for the whole minute, so your score depends only on your speed and accuracy.