MATHCOUNTS Foundation
MATHCOUNTS 2026-27
The national math competition for students in grades 6 through 8. U.S. students enrolled full-time in grades 6 through 8, for at most three years of competition. A school registers up to 14 students: one team of four plus ten individuals. A student whose school will not register can be entered by a parent as a non-school competitor.
MATHCOUNTS levels
- School Competition6-8
- Chapter Competition6-8
- State Competition6-8
- National Competition6-8 (top 4 individuals per state)
What is on the MATHCOUNTS
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Round (no calculator) | 30 | 40 |
| Target Round (calculator; 4 pairs, 6 minutes per pair) | 8 | 24 |
| Team Round (calculator; school team of 4 only) | 10 | 20 |
| Countdown Round (oral, head to head; optional below nationals) | ||
| Total | 180 |
Scoring
The Individual Score is the number correct in the Sprint Round plus two points for each correct Target Round answer, for a maximum of 46. The Team Score is the average of the four members' Individual Scores plus two points per correct Team Round answer, for a maximum of 66. MATHCOUNTS calls 23 out of 46 highly commendable. Students advance by rank, not by a cutoff score: the top four individuals at each state competition go to nationals.
MATHCOUNTS dates, 2026-27
- Registration opensAug. 17, 2026
- Early bird registration deadline; 2027 School Competition released to coachesNov. 3, 2026
- Non-school competitor (NSC) registration opensNov. 5, 2026
- Regular registration deadlineDec. 15, 2026
- Chapter Competitions (exact date set by local coordinator)Feb. 1-28, 2027
- State CompetitionsMar. 1-31, 2027
- RTX MATHCOUNTS National Competition, Washington, DCMay 9-10, 2027
Fees
- Early bird (by November 3, 2026)$42 per school competitor
- Regular (by December 15, 2026)$48 per school competitor; $75 per NSC
- Late (after December 15, 2026)$53 per school competitor; $85 per NSC
- Title I schools50% discount
- Advancing to chapter, state or nationalNo additional fee
Retakes
A student may compete in at most three years, in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Keep this for planning
Frequently asked questions
Who takes the MATHCOUNTS?
U.S. students enrolled full-time in grades 6 through 8, for at most three years of competition. A school registers up to 14 students: one team of four plus ten individuals. A student whose school will not register can be entered by a parent as a non-school competitor.
How long is the MATHCOUNTS?
180 minutes.
How is the MATHCOUNTS scored?
The Individual Score is the number correct in the Sprint Round plus two points for each correct Target Round answer, for a maximum of 46. The Team Score is the average of the four members' Individual Scores plus two points per correct Team Round answer, for a maximum of 66. MATHCOUNTS calls 23 out of 46 highly commendable. Students advance by rank, not by a cutoff score: the top four individuals at each state competition go to nationals.
How many times can you take the MATHCOUNTS?
A student may compete in at most three years, in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Sources, read October 6, 2026: mathcounts.org, mathcounts.org, mathcounts.org. The MATHCOUNTS is run by MATHCOUNTS Foundation, which is not affiliated with Dewey Smart.
