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MathCounts, stylized as MATHCOUNTS, is a nonprofit organization that provides grades 6 through 8 extracurricular mathematics programs in all U.S. states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission is to provide engaging math programs for middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving.

Key Information

In MathCounts, testing is conducted in four separate rounds: the Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown rounds.

The Sprint Round consists of 30 problems to be completed within the time limit of 40 minutes. This round is meant to test the accuracy and speed of the competitor. As a result of the difficulty and time constraints, many competitors will not finish all of the problems in the Sprint Round.

The Target Round consists of eight problems. Problems are presented in sets of two, with each set having a six minute time limit. Calculators are permitted on this portion of the test. This round is meant to test the accuracy and problem solving skills of the competitor. Many later problems are highly difficult, even with the aid of a calculator, and it is common for some students to leave questions blank.

The Team Round consists of 10 problems to be solved in 20 minutes. This round, similar to the Target Round, allows use of a calculator. Only the four students on a school or state's team can take this round officially.[3] The Team Round is meant to test the collaboration and problem solving skills of the team.

The Countdown Round is an optional round with a buzzer type question format. Competitors can buzz in to answer questions. Execution of the Countdown Round varies from different locations, with some using a one-on-one format and some having multiple competitors at the buzzers at the same time. The Countdown Round may be official(has an impact on your score) or unofficial depending on the location. The Countdown Round is meant to test the speed and reflexes of a competitor. The Countdown Round is the official determinant of the National Champion at MathCounts Nationals.

Topics covered in the competition include geometry, counting, probability, number theory, and algebra.

History

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Mathcounts was started in 1983 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and CNA Insurance to increase middle school interest in mathematics.[4] The first national-level competition was held in 1984.[1] The Mathcounts Competition Series spread quickly in middle schools, and today it is the best-known middle school mathematics competition.[5] In 2007, Mathcounts launched the National Math Club as a noncompetitive alternative to the Competition Series. In 2011, Mathcounts launched the Math Video Challenge Program, which was discontinued in 2023.[6][1]

2020 was the only year since 1984 in which a national competition was not held, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The "MATHCOUNTS Week" event featuring problems from the 2020 State Competition was held on the Art of Problem Solving website as a replacement.[7] The 2021 National Competition was held online.[8]

Current sponsors include RTX Corporation, U.S. Department of Defense STEM, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, National Society of Professional Engineers, 3M, Texas Instruments, Art of Problem Solving, Bentley Systems, Carina Initiatives, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, CNA Financial, Google, Brilliant, and Mouser Electronics.[4]

Competition Series

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The Competition Series is divided into four levels: school, chapter, state, and national. Students progress to each level in the competition based on performance at the previous level. As the levels progress, the problems become more challenging.[9] Each level has many rounds, always including a Sprint Round (30 questions, 40 minutes) and a Target Round (4 pairs of harder problems with calculator use, 6 minutes each pair).

All students are either school-based competitors or non-school competitors ("NSCs"). Most students participate through their schools, starting with a school-level competition. A student whose school is not participating in the Competition Series starts at the chapter level as an NSC, competing individually.[9]

School level

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Coaches of each school select up to 12 students from their school to advance to the chapter competition, with 4 of them competing on the official school team. The rest compete individually.[9]

Chapter level

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All qualifying students compete individually. Students on an official school team also compete as a team. The Countdown Round is optional and can either be used to determine top individuals or as an unofficial round. The top teams and individuals advance to the state competition.[9] The exact number of qualifiers varies by region.[10]

State level

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All qualifying students compete individually. Students on a qualifying school team also compete as a team. The Countdown Round is optional and can either be used to determine top individuals or as an unofficial round. The top 4 individuals qualify for the national competition. The coach of the winning school team is the coach for the state team.[9] Some states have universities within the state that give scholarships to the top individuals of the state.[11]

National level

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Six people in red shirts and beige pants standing in a line next to men in black suits all in front of a man wearing a grey suit and a red tie
President Barack Obama meets award recipients of the 2010 Mathcounts National Competition in the Oval Office Monday, June 28, 2010.

Qualifying students and coaches receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the national competition. The competition typically lasts 3–4 days on Mother's Day weekend. The coach of the state team is the supervisor for the team. The students compete individually for the title of national champion. They also compete as a team to represent their state.[9]

The 12 highest scoring individuals advance to the Countdown Round. The winner of this round is declared the National Champion.[12]

Scholarships and prizes are awarded to the top individuals and top state teams.[12] In the past, prizes have included trips to Space Camp or to the White House to meet the current President of the United States.[12][13]

National Math Club

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In addition to the Competition Series program, students can also participate in the National Math Club program.

The National Math Club program allows schools and non-school groups to start a math club for free. Upon registering, club leaders earn free online access to dozens of games, explorations, and problem sets.

Clubs that meet at least five times during the program year can achieve Silver Level Status, and clubs that complete a creative and collaborative project can achieve Gold Level Status. Clubs that achieve Silver Level and Gold Level can earn prizes and recognition.[14]

Other programs

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Alumni scholarships

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Each year, Mathcounts awards two types of scholarships to multiple alumni who participated in at least one of the Mathcounts programs during middle school. The Mathcounts Alumni Scholarship is awarded to alumni whose experience in Mathcounts was extremely influential, and the Community Coaching Scholarship is awarded to alumni who start Mathcounts programs at underserved schools.[15]

Math Video Challenge

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In 2011, Mathcounts started the Reel Math Challenge (later renamed to the Math Video Challenge). The Math Video Challenge program allowed students in teams of 4 to create a video that explained the solution to a problem from the Mathcounts School Handbook in a real-world scenario. The program was discontinued in 2023, but a similar video project opportunity is offered through the National Math Club.[16]

Competition winners

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Below is a table documenting each year's winning individual, winning state team and coach, and the location of the national competition.

Year Individual winner State-team winner Winning-state coach Location Refs
1984 Michael Edwards, Texas Virginia (1) Joan Armistead Washington, D.C. [17][18]
1985 Timothy Kokesh, Oklahoma Florida Burt Kaufman Washington, D.C.
1986 Brian David Ewald, Florida California (1) Washington, D.C. [18]
1987 Russell Mann, Tennessee New York (1) Robert C. Bieringer Washington, D.C. [18][19]
1988 Andrew Schultz, Illinois New York (2) Washington, D.C. [18][20]
1989 Albert Kurz, Pennsylvania North Carolina Barbara Sydnor Washington, D.C. [18][21]
1990 Brian Jenkins, Arkansas Ohio Washington, D.C. [18][22]
1991 Jonathan L. Weinstein, Massachusetts Alabama Cindy Breckenridge Washington, D.C. [18][23]
1992 Andrei C. Gnepp, Ohio California (2) Washington, D.C. [18][24]
1993 Carleton Bosley, Kansas Kansas Washington, D.C. [25]
1994 William O. Engel, Illinois Pennsylvania (1) Matt Zipin Washington, D.C. [26]
1995 Richard Reifsnyder, Kentucky Indiana (1) Washington, D.C. [27]
1996 Alexander Schwartz, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (2) Washington, D.C. [28]
1997 Zhihao Liu, Wisconsin Massachusetts (1) Heidi Johnson Washington, D.C. [29]
1998 Ricky Liu, Massachusetts Wisconsin Washington, D.C. [30][31]
1999 Po-Ru Loh, Wisconsin Massachusetts (2) Evagrio Mosca Washington, D.C. [32]
2000 Ruozhou Jia, Illinois California (3) Washington, D.C. [33]
2001 Ryan Ko, New Jersey Virginia (2) Barbara Burnett Washington, D.C. [34]
2002 Albert Ni, Illinois California (4) Thomas Yin Chicago, Illinois [35]
2003 Adam Hesterberg, Washington California (5) Pallavi Shah Chicago, Illinois [36]
2004 Gregory Gauthier, Illinois Illinois Steve Ondes Washington, D.C. [37][38]
2005 Neal Wu, Louisiana Texas (1) Jeff Boyd Detroit, Michigan [39][40]
2006 Daesun Yim, New Jersey Virginia (3) Barbara Burnett Arlington, Virginia [41]
2007 Kevin Chen, Texas Texas (2) Jeff Boyd Fort Worth, Texas [42][43]
2008 Darryl Wu, Washington Texas (3) Jeff Boyd Denver, Colorado [44]
2009 Bobby Shen, Texas Texas (4) Jeff Boyd Orlando, Florida [45]
2010 Mark Sellke, Indiana California (6) Donna Phair[46] Orlando, Florida [47]
2011 Scott Wu, Louisiana California (7) Vandana Kadam[48] Washington, D.C. [49]
2012 Chad Qian, Indiana Massachusetts (3) Josh Frost Orlando, Florida [50]
2013 Alec Sun, Massachusetts Massachusetts (4) Josh Frost Washington, D.C. [51]
2014 Swapnil Garg, California California (8) David Vaughn Orlando, Florida [52]
2015 Kevin Liu, Indiana Indiana (2) Trent Tormoehlen Boston, Massachusetts [53]
2016 Edward Wan, Washington Texas (5) Isil Nal Washington, D.C. [54]
2017 Luke Robitaille, Texas Texas (6) Isil Nal Orlando, Florida [55]
2018 Luke Robitaille, Texas Texas (7) Isil Nal Washington, D.C. [56]
2019 Daniel Mai, Massachusetts Massachusetts (5) Josh Frost Orlando, Florida [12]
2020 No national competition held due to COVID-19 pandemic [7]
2021 Marvin Mao, New Jersey New Jersey (1) Stephanie Cucinella Online [57][58]
2022 Allan Yuan, Alabama New Jersey (2) Marybeth Gakos Washington, D.C. [59]
2023 Channing Yang, Texas Texas (8) Andrea Smith Orlando, Florida [60]
2024 Benjamin Jiang, Florida Texas (9) Hui Quan Washington, D.C. [61]
2025 Nathan Liu, Texas Massachusetts (6) Josh Frost Washington, D.C. [62]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mathcounts

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MATHCOUNTS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1983 that delivers extracurricular mathematics programs to students in grades 6–8 across all U.S. states and territories, with the primary goal of building problem-solving skills, confidence, and positive attitudes toward math through engaging challenges. The organization's flagship initiative, the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, is a nationwide contest structure comprising four progressive levels—school, chapter, state, and national—that culminate in an annual in-person event for top participants, where teams and individuals tackle timed rounds including sprint, target, team, and optional countdown formats featuring diverse problem types without or with calculators. Eligibility extends to enrolled middle school students forming school teams of up to 14 or competing as non-school individuals, with more than 65,000 students participating annually in the Competition Series (as of 2023-2024), advancing the highest scorers to nationals. Complementing the competitions, the National Math Club offers a free, year-round enrichment program providing resources, activities, and virtual events to foster math curiosity and social connections in school clubs, serving thousands more students beyond the contest framework. Established by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and CNA Insurance, MATHCOUNTS has been recognized by multiple U.S. presidents for its impact, reaching hundreds of thousands of students over four decades while offering free practice materials, handbooks, and educator toolkits to support widespread access.

History

Founding

MATHCOUNTS was founded on February 17, 1983, during National Engineers Week, as a collaborative initiative between the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the National Council of Teachers of (NCTM), and CNA Insurance. This partnership aimed to create the first nationwide mathematics competition in the United States, targeting students in grades 6 through 8 to foster enthusiasm for , build problem-solving skills, and improve attitudes toward the subject at a critical developmental stage. The program was established as a 501(c)(3) to ensure broad accessibility and long-term sustainability through volunteer efforts, educational resources, and corporate sponsorships. In the fall of 1983, the MATHCOUNTS Foundation distributed its first School Handbook to middle schools across the country, introducing practice problems and competition guidelines to prepare participants. This marked the launch of the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, which progressed from local school-level events to state and national competitions. The inaugural state competitions occurred in April 1984, drawing participants from multiple regions and setting the stage for a structured progression that emphasized both individual and team-based mathematical challenges. The first MATHCOUNTS National Competition was held on May 18–19, 1984, at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., featuring top students from 47 states and the District of Columbia. This event established the program's national scope and highlighted its goal of promoting mathematical excellence among young learners, with early recognition from the White House under President Ronald Reagan for its contributions to education. From its inception, MATHCOUNTS sought to bridge engineering, education, and industry perspectives to inspire future STEM professionals.

Key Milestones and Evolution

Mathcounts was founded on February 17, 1983, during National Engineers Week as a collaborative initiative between the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and CNA Insurance, aimed at promoting mathematical excellence and problem-solving skills among students across the . The program quickly established its core structure, with the inaugural national competition held in 1984, drawing top students from 47 states and the District of Columbia and marking the beginning of an annual series that has since expanded to include participants from all 50 states and U.S. territories. This event set the foundation for a multi-tiered competition format, evolving from local school-level contests to regional chapter and state qualifiers leading to nationals. Throughout the and , Mathcounts expanded its reach, with consistent national competitions fostering a growing community of "Mathletes" and volunteer coaches, primarily engineers and educators. The program received early recognition for its impact, including citations under Presidents and as an outstanding private sector initiative in education. By the early , participation had surged, reflecting broader adoption in schools; for instance, the national competition consistently featured teams from every state, with top performers advancing to represent their regions in high-stakes rounds. A significant evolution occurred in 2007 with the launch of the National Math Club (formerly the Mathcounts Club Program), which extended the organization's mission beyond competitive events to include inclusive, non-competitive activities designed to build math confidence for students of all skill levels through clubs, games, and resources. This expansion broadened access, leading to over 3,500 clubs participating by 2017 and annual engagement exceeding 100,000 students across all programs by the 2020s. Further accolades followed, including an Honorable Mention in the 2011 Prudential Leadership Awards for outstanding nonprofit governance and a 2024 nomination for the Community Choice Award. The program's resilience was tested in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the national competition—the only such interruption since 1984—prompting a shift to virtual resources and online challenges to maintain engagement. Post-pandemic, Mathcounts resumed in-person events in 2021, incorporating hybrid elements and enhanced digital tools, while continuing to evolve with free online problem sets and teacher support materials to sustain growth. In 2023, MATHCOUNTS relaunched an enhanced National Math Club, incorporating elements of the Math Video Challenge to create a new, more robust program. By 2025, marking its 42nd year, the foundation had solidified its role as a nonprofit emphasizing equitable math education, with ongoing sponsorships from industry leaders like Raytheon Technologies supporting national expansions.

Organizational Overview

Governance and Operations

The MATHCOUNTS Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) , classified under educational institutions and related activities, with its national office located in historic , . This structure enables tax-deductible donations and supports its mission to engage middle school students in mathematics through competitions and clubs across all U.S. states and territories. Governance is overseen by a Board of Directors comprising approximately 20 members, including representatives from corporate sponsors, educators, alumni, and math advocates. The board is led by Chair Tricia Hatley, P.E., F.NSPE, of Freese and Nichols, Inc., with Vice Chair Keri Connors of RTX, Treasurer Ryan Hill of CNA Insurance, and Secretary Kristen Chandler, the organization's . This leadership team provides strategic direction, while the board ensures alignment with educational goals and financial oversight. Day-to-day operations are managed by a national staff of around a dozen professionals, many with teaching experience or long tenure at the foundation—eight have classroom backgrounds, two are MATHCOUNTS alumnae, and four have served over 10 years. Kristen Chandler serves as , supported by key roles such as Director of Programs Chris Bright, Deputy Director and Director of Strategy Amanda Naar, and Director of Education Kera Johnson, who handle program development, partnerships, content creation, communications, recruitment, IT, and fundraising. The foundation relies heavily on a network of over 600 volunteer chapter and state coordinators to administer local competitions, with staff providing training, resources, and logistical support through online hubs and partnerships like those with Brilliant.org. Funding sustains these operations through a mix of corporate sponsorships, grants, and program revenues, with title sponsors including RTX for the National Competition and the U.S. Department of Defense STEM for alumni engagement. Additional support comes from national sponsors such as the Foundation and , alongside targeted grants like those from for urban chapters and for underserved schools. In fiscal year 2024, total revenue reached $4.45 million, with expenses of $3.26 million primarily allocated to salaries (39.5%) and program services, resulting in net assets of $5.61 million. This financial model allows the foundation to serve over 64,000 students annually without charging participation fees for core competitions.

Participation and Demographics

Mathcounts competitions attract a significant number of students across the , with participation consistently exceeding 60,000 annually in recent years. In the 2024-2025 school year, 64,817 students from 3,724 s took part in the Series, encompassing , chapter, state, and national levels, marking a 3.4% increase in chapter competitors from the previous year. The program reaches all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and schools, with 224 students qualifying for the 2025 National . Earlier data from 2017 indicates 41,032 registered students across 5,191 s, reflecting substantial growth over time. Additionally, the National Math Club, a supporting program, engaged 42,831 students in 2,570 clubs during 2024-2025, a 6.8% rise from the prior year. Demographic data from a 2017 survey of 5,299 students and 667 coaches across 63 chapters provides key insights into participant composition. distribution among students was 61% male and 39% female, while coaches were 64% female and 36% male. Racially and ethnically, students identified as 48% White/Caucasian, 34% Asian, 7.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.4% Black/African American, with coaches predominantly 79% White/Caucasian and 14.2% Asian. Grade levels showed 48% of students in 8th grade, 33% in 7th grade, and 19% in 6th grade, aligning with the program's focus on middle schoolers. School types in the 2017 survey included 72% public schools, 21% private, and 6% . More recent reports highlight efforts to broaden access for underserved communities, with 32% of 2023-2024 Competition Series registrations from (low-income) schools, up 22% from the previous year, and 867 such schools participating in 2024-2025, a 6.9% increase. These trends underscore Mathcounts' commitment to inclusive participation, including support for military-connected students and grants for 139 underserved competition schools in 2024-2025.

Competition Series

Format and Rounds

The MATHCOUNTS competition series is structured around four distinct rounds at each level—, chapter, state, and national—designed to assess a range of mathematical skills including speed, accuracy, problem-solving, and . These rounds collectively take approximately three hours to complete, with the order determined by the competition coordinator. Individual participants compete in the Sprint and Target rounds, while the round involves collaboration among up to four students per team, and the round serves as a fast-paced oral component primarily for resolving ties or determining rankings among top performers. Calculators are prohibited in the Sprint and Countdown rounds but permitted in the Target, Team, and any rounds, with restrictions to non-QWERTY models without wireless capabilities. The Sprint Round emphasizes speed and accuracy under time pressure, consisting of 30 multiple-choice problems to be solved individually in 40 minutes without calculators. Each correct answer earns 1 point, for a maximum score of 30, and unanswered or incorrect problems receive no points. This round covers topics from the curriculum, such as , , , and probability, with problems increasing in difficulty. Scoring from this round contributes directly to an individual's overall qualification for advancement. In the Target Round, participants tackle eight problems arranged in four pairs, with six minutes allocated per pair (24 minutes total) and calculators allowed. Each pair requires solving two related problems, often building on one another to encourage deeper reasoning; correct answers earn 2 points each, yielding a maximum of 16 points. This format tests conceptual understanding and strategic problem-solving, as students must efficiently use the limited time per pair. The combined scores from the Sprint and Target rounds determine rankings and advancement to higher levels. The Team Round fosters collaboration, where a team of four students works together on 10 problems within 20 minutes, using calculators. Each correct answer is worth 2 points, for a maximum team round score of 20, and teams may discuss strategies openly during the round. This round highlights communication and collective problem-solving skills, with the top team score from each competition contributing to school or chapter honors. Only one team per school advances from the school level, while multiple individuals proceed based on individual performance. The Countdown Round is an oral, head-to-head elimination format conducted without calculators, where top-scoring individuals compete one-on-one or in brackets, solving problems within 45 seconds each. It is optional at and chapter levels but used at state and national competitions for the top 10-12 participants to determine final placements. Winners advance in the bracket, earning points toward awards, while this round also serves as the primary mechanism across all levels. In cases of tied scores after the written rounds, additional tiebreaker problems are administered individually with calculators allowed until the tie is resolved. Problem difficulty escalates from to national levels, though the format remains consistent to ensure fairness for grades 6-8 participants. The Countdown Round does not contribute to individual scores for advancement.

School Competition

The School Competition serves as the initial level in the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, enabling middle schools to conduct an internal math for students in grades 6 through 8. Its primary purpose is to assist coaches in identifying top performers who will represent the school at the subsequent Chapter Competition, though it may also be used for practice or recreational problem-solving activities. Schools register through the official MATHCOUNTS platform by December 15, with competitions typically held between November 2025 and January 2026, allowing flexibility in scheduling at the local level. The competition follows the standardized format of the broader series, consisting of four rounds designed to last approximately three hours and assess a range of mathematical skills, from rapid computation to collaborative problem-solving. The Sprint Round involves 30 problems to be solved in 40 minutes without calculators, emphasizing speed and accuracy in topics such as , , , and probability. The Target Round features four pairs of increasingly difficult problems, with six minutes allotted per pair and calculators permitted (non-QWERTY models without wireless capabilities), focusing on deeper analytical thinking; each correct answer earns 2 points, for a maximum of 16. In the Team Round, a group of four students collaborates on 10 problems within 20 minutes using calculators, promoting teamwork and discussion; each correct answer is worth 2 points, for a maximum of 20. The Countdown Round, an optional buzzer-style elimination, requires solving problems in 45 seconds each without calculators, testing quick recall under pressure, but does not contribute to official scores. Eligibility is limited to registered school participants or up to 14 non-school competitors (NSCs) per school on a first-come, first-served basis, with no notes, materials, or smart devices allowed during testing. Scores from the individual rounds (Sprint and Target) determine individual rankings, while the Team Round contributes to the school's overall team score; ties are resolved via a tiebreaker round if necessary. Following the event, coaches select up to 14 official competitors—typically the top four for the team and up to 10 individuals—to advance to the Chapter level, ensuring only verified participants proceed. This structure not only builds foundational competition experience but also aligns with MATHCOUNTS' goal of fostering mathematical enthusiasm among middle schoolers.

Chapter Competition

The Chapter Competition serves as the second level in the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, following the School Competition and preceding the State and National levels. It brings together top-performing students from local schools within a designated chapter—typically a geographic region such as a or —to compete for advancement to the state level. Held annually in (February 1–28 for the 2025–2026 season), the competition emphasizes individual and problem-solving skills across middle school mathematics topics, including , , , and probability. Approximately 100–200 students participate per chapter, depending on regional size and registration. The competition consists of four rounds—Sprint, Target, , and —designed to be completed in about three hours, though the Countdown Round is optional and often used only for tiebreaking or rankings. The Sprint Round features 30 problems to be solved in 40 minutes without calculators, testing speed and accuracy on straightforward computations and concepts; each correct answer earns 1 point, for a maximum of 30 points. The Target Round includes 8 problems divided into 4 pairs, with 6 minutes allotted per pair and calculators permitted (non-QWERTY models without internet access); each correct answer is worth 2 points, yielding a maximum of 16 points and focusing on deeper problem-solving strategies. The Team Round involves 10 problems solved collaboratively by a team of up to 4 students in 20 minutes, also with calculators allowed; each correct answer is worth 2 points, up to 20 points total, to assess and shared reasoning. The optional Countdown Round is a fast-paced, head-to-head elimination format where competitors answer problems in 45 seconds or less without calculators, but it does not contribute to official scores. Eligibility is limited to officially registered students in grades 6–8, with schools able to register up to 14 competitors: a team of 4 plus 10 individuals. Non-school competitors (homeschooled or independent students) may participate if their school does not register, limited to 14 per non-participating school on a first-come, first-served basis; they compete individually without forming teams. Competitions are proctored either in-person at a host site or virtually through the official platform, with strict rules prohibiting notes, external aids, or communication during rounds; students receive provided pencils and paper but may bring their own non-electronic writing tools. Answer forms must follow specific guidelines for legibility and format, such as bubbling integers or simplified radicals. Individual scores are calculated solely from the Sprint and Target Rounds, with a maximum of 46 points; a score of 23 or higher is considered highly commendable. Team scores derive from the Team Round alone. Results are posted online via the competition portal shortly after completion, typically within days. Top-scoring individuals and, at the discretion of state coordinators, top teams from each chapter advance to the State Competition. The number varies by state but often includes at least 6-12 qualifiers, such as the winning team and additional high individual scorers, regardless of school affiliation. Non-school competitors advance as individuals. State coordinators may invite additional top teams to advance as well. No additional registration fees apply for qualifiers. Past Chapter Competition problems and answers are publicly available on the MATHCOUNTS website after all chapter events conclude, aiding preparation for future participants. The level fosters a supportive environment, with competitions often hosted at universities or community centers to inspire students' interest in mathematics.

State Competition

The State Competition represents the third tier in the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, serving as a qualifier for the national level and typically held in March each year, with dates coordinated by state directors between March 1 and 31. It brings together top-performing middle school students (grades 6-8) who have advanced from their respective chapter competitions, including both school-affiliated participants and non-school competitors (NSCs) with appropriate verification. State events emphasize problem-solving under timed conditions, fostering skills in algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, and combinatorics, while adhering to uniform national rules to ensure fairness across approximately 56 states and territories. The competition structure mirrors that of chapter-level events, comprising four rounds designed to be completed in about three hours, though the order of the written rounds (Sprint, Target, and Team) may vary at the discretion of the state coordinator. The Sprint Round consists of 30 problems to be solved individually without calculators in 40 minutes, testing speed and accuracy on foundational concepts; each correct answer is worth 1 point (max 30). Following this, the Target Round features eight problems, each allocated six minutes and solved individually with calculators permitted (non-QWERTY, non-internet-enabled devices only), allowing for more complex computations; each correct answer is worth 2 points (max 16). The Team Round involves 10 problems solved collaboratively by teams of up to four students in 20 minutes using calculators, promoting discussion and shared strategies; each correct answer is worth 2 points (max 20). Finally, the Countdown Round is an optional oral buzzer-style elimination between pairs of top scorers, where correct answers advance competitors, but it does not factor into official rankings or the individual score at the state level. The Countdown Round is used for tiebreakers or separate recognition among top performers. Scoring for the individual written score is based on correct answers in the Sprint and Target rounds, with each Sprint problem worth 1 point and each Target problem worth 2 points, yielding a maximum of 46 points; the Team Round contributes separately to team rankings. No partial credit is awarded, and answers must be exact (e.g., whole numbers without decimals unless specified); teams score collectively on the Team Round only. Proctors provide scratch paper and pencils, but no external aids are allowed, and all materials become the property of MATHCOUNTS upon completion. Advancement to the RTX MATHCOUNTS National Competition is determined solely by individual performance in the Sprint, Target, and Rounds, with the top four highest-scoring students from each state (including NSCs) qualifying for an all-expenses-paid trip to the event, typically held in May. These qualifiers represent their state at nationals, where they compete both individually and as a state team comprising the four members. In cases of ties, the Countdown Round may serve as a , and state coordinators handle alternates per national guidelines. This merit-based selection ensures that only the strongest performers proceed, with state events often hosting 100-300 participants depending on regional size and participation.

National Competition

The RTX MATHCOUNTS National Competition serves as the culminating event of the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series, bringing together the top students from across the and its territories to compete for individual and team honors. Held annually in May, it features 224 participants—typically the top four scorers from each of the 56 state and territorial competitions, including the District of Columbia, , and the U.S. —who represent their states as four-person teams while also vying individually. The competition emphasizes problem-solving under time constraints, covering topics in , , , probability, and , and is designed to challenge students' speed, accuracy, and collaboration skills. All qualified participants receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the event, fostering a national community of young mathematicians. In 2025, the event was held in , with winning the team championship; the 2026 event is scheduled for May 10-11 in . The National Competition consists of four rounds: Sprint, Target, , and , completed over approximately three hours on the competition day. These rounds build progressively from individual timed written problems to collaborative efforts and a high-pressure oral showdown. Calculators are prohibited in the Sprint and Countdown Rounds but permitted in the Target and Team Rounds, provided they lack keypads, wireless capabilities, or smart features; only basic scientific or graphing calculators meeting these criteria are allowed. All problems require integer answers or simplified expressions, with no partial credit awarded.
RoundFormat and DetailsProblemsTime LimitCalculator UseScoring
SprintIndividual, no communication; focuses on quick, straightforward computations.3040 minutesNo1 point per correct answer (max 30)
TargetIndividual; eight problems presented in four pairs, with each pair revealed sequentially.86 minutes per pairYes2 points per correct answer (max 16)
TeamCollaborative; four team members work together, discussing and recording answers as a group.1020 minutesYes2 points per correct answer (max 20); added to team score
CountdownOral, head-to-head elimination; top individual scorers (usually top 12) compete in a buzzer-style format against opponents, answering progressively harder problems.Varies (up to ~20 per matchup)Up to 45 seconds per problemNoDetermines final individual rankings; winner is National Champion
The individual written score is calculated as the Sprint total plus twice the Target total (maximum 46 points), determining advancement to the Countdown Round and initial rankings. The team score is the average of the four members' individual written scores plus twice the number of correct answers in the Team Round (maximum 20 points added), for a total of 66 points, crowning the national team champion. In case of ties, a Tiebreaker Round with additional Target-style problems resolves standings. The Countdown Round, conducted live before an audience, adds excitement and tests rapid recall and mental math, with the overall winner declared the National Champion based on combined performance. Since its inception in 1984, the National Competition has been held primarily in Washington, D.C., though recent years have seen varied locations to accommodate sponsorships and logistics; the 2025 event returned to the capital. holds the record with 9 team titles (most recently in 2023 and 2024), followed by with eight, reflecting strong regional programs in those states. Individual champions, such as 2025 winner Nathan Liu from , often hail from powerhouse states and go on to notable achievements in higher math competitions. The event not only awards trophies and scholarships but also inspires participants through keynote speeches, workshops, and networking with math professionals.

Supporting Programs

National Math Club

The National Math Club is a free, non-competitive enrichment program offered by the MATHCOUNTS Foundation for students in grades 6-8, designed to foster a love for through engaging, social activities. Established in 2007, the program provides educators with flexible resources to lead clubs that emphasize problem-solving, , and creative exploration of math concepts, without the pressure of formal competitions. It serves as a complementary initiative to MATHCOUNTS' competitive series, allowing broader participation in math enrichment and helping to build foundational skills for potential future competitors. To participate, clubs must register annually in the fall— with the 2025-2026 registration opening on August 15—and include at least four eligible U.S. students in grades 6-8, defined as those attending schools in U.S. states or territories, or affiliated overseas schools under the U.S. Department of Defense or Department of State. Club leaders, typically teachers or sponsors, receive a mailed starter kit and access to an online dashboard with customizable materials, enabling in-person or virtual meetings held at the leader's discretion, with no fixed schedule required. The program encourages at least five meetings per year for basic recognition, promoting regular engagement to sustain student interest. Activities in the National Math Club revolve around three core types: games for skill-building, such as the card-based game involving quick mental math; explorations for deeper dives, like fraction-based mazes; and problem sets tied to themes, including seasonal challenges like pirate-themed puzzles. Monthly challenges consist of five problems that clubs can tackle collaboratively, with recent enhancements in 2023 adding exclusive video project options for creative expression, replacing the standalone Math Video Challenge while integrating similar multimedia elements. These resources aim to make math accessible and enjoyable, supporting diverse learning styles and group dynamics. Clubs can achieve Silver or Gold recognition levels based on participation and , with Silver requiring five or more meetings and offering prizes like pennants, certificates, and entry into a $100 for 20 clubs; Gold adds a creative component, such as the video option, for banners and a $200 among five winners, plus a Honor Roll for nine top clubs receiving $250 each. Since its inception, the program has engaged hundreds of thousands of students, with nearly a quarter million served since 2019 alone as of 2023, underscoring its role in broadening math access and inspiring lifelong interest in the subject.

Math Video Challenge

The Math Video Challenge (MVC) was a nationwide program launched by the MATHCOUNTS Foundation in 2011, designed to engage students in grades 6–8 by challenging them to create short, original videos that solve a MATHCOUNTS-style math problem while demonstrating its real-world application. Teams of exactly four students, along with one adult coach, collaborated to write, film, animate, and edit videos no longer than five minutes, emphasizing creativity in mediums such as live-action, , or music to make math accessible and fun. The program aimed to foster problem-solving skills, teamwork, and enthusiasm for beyond traditional competitions, reaching nearly 15,000 students over its 11-year run as a standalone initiative. The annual cycle began with free registration in the fall, followed by video submissions due by early March. A panel of MATHCOUNTS judges reviewed all entries for originality, mathematical accuracy, and creative application, selecting four finalist teams by early . Finalists screened their videos at the MATHCOUNTS National Competition in May, where the 224 national competitors voted to determine the overall winner and category awards, including Best Costumes, , Set Design, Special Effects/Editing, Screenplay, and Most Memorable. The winning team received $1,000 scholarships per member, with additional recognition for runners-up. For example, in 2023, over 400 teams submitted 406 videos involving 1,564 students, with the winning entry "Numbermore (For the Mathematically Gifted)" highlighting probability concepts in a comedic format. In 2023, the MVC transitioned from a standalone program into the revamped National Math Club, incorporating video projects as an optional activity to sustain its creative elements within a broader club framework. This integration allows clubs to earn Gold Level status by completing video challenges, promoting ongoing math engagement without the competitive finals structure. The change expanded accessibility, as clubs must include at least four U.S. students in grades 6–8 meeting regularly, either in-person or virtually, and use MATHCOUNTS-provided resources flexibly.

Alumni Initiatives

MATHCOUNTS alumni initiatives encompass a range of programs designed to engage former participants, foster community, and support their continued involvement in and STEM fields. These efforts enable alumni to mentor younger students, pursue higher education funding, and share their experiences to inspire the next generation. The foundation emphasizes as lifelong members of the MATHCOUNTS community, providing structured opportunities for , recognition, and . A key initiative is the Coaching Program, which encourages former Mathletes to serve as for middle school teams in the MATHCOUNTS Series. Alumni can identify schools in need, partner with faculty, and register teams of up to 14 students for competitions, drawing on their firsthand experience to inspire participants. High school and college earn volunteer hours, while professionals may match contributions to support schools or the foundation directly. The program includes resources like handbooks, email templates, and training, with events spanning school-level competitions in fall to nationals in May. Additionally, the Coaching Cohort offers free training and support for alumni starting programs at underserved schools, enhancing access to MATHCOUNTS in under-resourced areas. Scholarships form another cornerstone, rewarding for their achievements and commitment to . The MATHCOUNTS provides $3,000 to U.S. students who participated in the Competition Series, National Math Club, or Math Video Challenge during grades 6-8 and are high school seniors or students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants submit a 750-1,000 word on one of three prompts, along with extracurricular and award details, with applications due annually in . Complementing this, the awards another $3,000 to who establish MATHCOUNTS programs at underserved schools, requiring an and short answers on their initiative; applications open in March. Both scholarships, sponsored in part by the Department of Defense STEM program, have supported recipients since 2014 and 2021, respectively. To promote visibility and inspiration, the Alumni Spotlighting program invites to submit their stories, projects, and STEM opportunities for featuring on MATHCOUNTS and resources. This initiative highlights career paths and contributions, helping to connect with broader networks while motivating current Mathletes. Relatedly, Alumni Chats consist of online sessions and interviews where distinguished discuss post-MATHCOUNTS journeys in fields like , , and , such as CEO Eli Luberoff or leaders at . These chats, accessible publicly, showcase diverse achievements and encourage participation by sharing personal narratives. Recognition through the Distinguished Alumni Award further underscores impactful contributions, honoring individuals for advancing MATHCOUNTS programs, such as launching the National Math Club or creating outreach initiatives at universities. Past recipients include foundation leaders and innovators like of Art of Problem Solving. Beyond these, can access curated lists of broader STEM scholarships, internships, and fellowships via the foundation's resources, including stipends up to $38,000 and tuition support, tailored for high school and college participants. These initiatives collectively build a supportive , leveraging expertise to sustain and expand MATHCOUNTS' reach.

Impact and Recognition

Notable Achievements and Winners

MATHCOUNTS has produced numerous standout individual and team champions since its inception in 1984, with winners demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills in , , , and probability. The inaugural national champion was Michael Edwards from , followed by Timothy Kokesh from in 1985 and Brian David Ewald from in 1986. Early team victories included in 1984, in 1985, and in 1986, setting the stage for intense interstate rivalries. A landmark achievement came in 2017 and 2018, when Luke Robitaille from became the first and only competitor to win the national individual title twice, also contributing to 's team successes in those years. has since amassed the most team championships, with at least nine victories as of 2025, underscoring the state's strong preparation programs. Recent individual winners include Daniel Mai from in 2019, Benjamin Jiang from in 2024, and Nathan Liu from in 2025, each earning a $20,000 college scholarship and recognition at the national event in The 2025 national team champion was . Beyond competition results, MATHCOUNTS alumni have achieved significant recognition in academia and beyond. , a former participant, is a mathematics professor at , co-founder of the Carnegie Mellon Math Club, and a key collaborator on MATHCOUNTS educational initiatives, including live problem-solving sessions. Reid Barton, who finished second individually in 1997, went on to win three gold medals at the —the first American to do so—and became a four-time Putnam Fellow while earning a Ph.D. from MIT. These accomplishments highlight how MATHCOUNTS fosters talent that contributes to advanced and STEM fields.

Educational and Broader Influence

Mathcounts has significantly influenced by fostering problem-solving skills, confidence, and enthusiasm for among participants. According to the organization's 2024-2025 , 95% of coaches and 92% of students reported improvements in problem-solving abilities following participation in the Competition Series, with 97% of club leaders noting increased student enjoyment of math. A 2017 independent survey of coaches and students further substantiated these outcomes, revealing that over 80% of participants experienced heightened confidence in math and STEM subjects, while nearly 84% reported greater excitement for these fields. These gains are attributed to the program's emphasis on engaging, game-like challenges that encourage perseverance and creative thinking, helping students view not as rote memorization but as an enjoyable pursuit. Beyond individual skill development, Mathcounts contributes to the broader STEM pipeline by steering students toward advanced academic and career paths. Research from , which incorporates Mathcounts into its after-school STEM programs, demonstrates a statistically significant link between participation in such clubs and selection of STEM majors in postsecondary , with 65% of participants pursuing STEM fields compared to a national average of 33%. The 2017 survey echoed this, finding that 60% of students postsecondary intended to major in math or STEM, and over 85% expressed interest in STEM careers, including 49% in . Longer participation amplifies these effects; students involved for three years were 89% more likely to take additional math courses and 91% more likely to pursue higher education. Mathcounts also promotes equity in STEM by targeting underrepresented and underserved communities, thereby broadening its societal influence. Through grants like those from and the U.S. Department of Defense STEM, the program provided free registration to 139 schools serving low-income students in 2024-2025, marking a 6.9% increase in Title I school participation from the previous year. Initiatives such as the Scholarship encourage former participants to coach at underserved schools, with 2024 recipients focusing on programs for low-income and underrepresented students in STEM. contributions extend this impact; notable figures like , a former participant who founded Art of , and at least five recipients of the Presidential for Excellence in Science, and Mentoring in 2019, including Hugh Churchill, continue to advance STEM education and outreach.

References

  1. https://mathcounts.org/
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  3. https://mathcounts.org/programs/mathcounts-competition-series
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  5. https://mathcounts.org/about/our-story
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  8. https://www.nspe.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/NSPE75thAnniversary.pdf
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  31. https://mathcounts.org/about/national-math-club-registration-open
  32. https://mathcounts.org/resources/club-activities-public-recaps
  33. https://mathcounts.org/programs/registered-math-clubs
  34. https://www.mathcounts.org/sites/default/files/2023%2520Math%2520Video%2520Challenge%2520Fact%2520Sheet%2520%28Final%29.pdf
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  39. https://mathcounts.org/about/welcome-alumni
  40. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/alumni-coaching
  41. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/mathcounts-alumni-scholarship
  42. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/mathcounts-scholarships-alumni
  43. https://www.mathcounts.org/alumnispotlight
  44. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/alumni-chats
  45. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/distinguished-alumni-award-winners
  46. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/opportunities-alumni
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  48. https://www.mathcounts.org/about/alumni-chats-luke-robitaille
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  54. https://mathcounts.org/programs/mathcounts-week-powered-aops
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  59. https://www.nspe.org/career-growth/pe-magazine/january-2020/mathcounts-alumni-earn-presidential-award
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