Math Games

Math games help you practice numbers, sums and logic while you play. There are about 70, from counting objects to equations and sudoku, and all are free to play in your browser with nothing to download.

What you'll find

• Counting and numbers: How Many Counting Game for Kid, Number Line Match or Number Composition.
• Calculation: Elementary Arithmetic Game, Math Duck, MathPup Math Adventure or Toys Math.
• Equations and challenges: Equations Right or Wrong!, Algebraic Fish Frenzy or Math Games For Adults.
• Numbers and logic: Number Match, Sudoku, Sudoku Challenges or 2 4 8 Link Identical Numbers.

For parents: what to look for by age

Pick a game that fits their age: counting is for the youngest, calculation for elementary school, and sudoku for anyone who can reason without hurrying. A game that's too hard frustrates, and one that's too easy gets boring in five minutes, so try two or three until you find the one that fits. Most on the list are in English, but with numbers and symbols they're easy to follow anyway. And with the little ones, they don't need to read to play the counting games.

If the game has a timer, don't stress: get answers right first and speed will come later. When they get one wrong, it's better to ask how they thought it through than to simply correct them.

How to play smart

In calculation games, a few sums done well beat lots done in a rush: speed comes with practice. In Sudoku, the basic rule is that every row, every column and every 3 by 3 box holds the numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats; start with whatever has the most numbers already placed. In games where you join or match numbers, like Number Match or 2 4 8 Link, think a couple of moves ahead before you click.

For adults who want to exercise their brain, Sudoku or Number Match are a good way to do it in short breaks. For elementary school kids, Math Duck or MathPup Math Adventure put the sums inside a small adventure, and Elementary Arithmetic Game is more direct. Watch how your child reacts: if they ask to play again, the level is right. If they get frustrated, drop down a step.