MATHCOUNTS Competition Program

The MATHCOUNTS Competition Program is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging "bee" style contests.  The program exists in all 50 states plus U.S. territories and the Department of Defense and State Department schools.

2012 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition Highlights

Competition Components

The competition consists of up to 4 different rounds: 

The Sprint Round (40 minutes) consists of 30 problems. This round tests accuracy, with time being such that only the most capable students will complete all of the problems. Calculators are not permitted.

The Target Round (approximately 30 minutes) consists of eight problems presented to competitors in four pairs (6 minutes per pair). This round features multi‑step problems that engage Mathletes in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving processes. Problems assume the use of calculators.

The Team Round (20 minutes) consists of 10 problems that team members work together to solve. Team member interaction is permitted and encouraged. Problems assume the use of calculators.

The Countdown Round is a fast-paced, oral competition for top-scoring individuals (based on scores in the Sprint and Target Rounds). In this round, pairs of Mathletes compete against each other and the clock to solve problems. Calculators are not permitted.

Please refer to the MATHCOUNTS School Handbook for more detailed information on the specific rounds of the competition.

Eligible Participants

Students enrolled in the sixth, seventh or eighth grade are eligible to participate in MATHCOUNTS competitions. Students taking middle school mathematics classes who are not full‑time sixth, seventh or eighth graders are not eligible. Participation in MATHCOUNTS competitions is limited to three years for each student though there is no limit to the number of years a student may participate in the school‑based coaching phase.

Please refer to the MATHCOUNTS School Handbook for additional information regarding student eligibility.

What Resources Do Schools Receive?

Each year, the  MATHCOUNTS School Handbook is provided to all middle schools nationwide. The handbook is FREE and is designed to prepare students for the excitement and the challenge of the MATHCOUNTS Competition series! A wealth of resources are available on our website to participating teachers (referred to as MATHCOUNTS Coaches), including the FREE Competition Sets available for download, as well as the MATHCOUNTS School Handbook, available for download in its entirety.

Once a school signs up for the Competition, materials are sent to the registered coach that will help facilitate a MATHCOUNTS School Competition.

To sign up for the Competition Program please visit our registration page.