Math Kangaroo FAQ and Resources: Your Ultimate Guide
Math Kangaroo is an annual international math competition for students in Grades 1–12 across 90+ countries. Popular among younger students (Grades 1–5), it uses a fun, multiple-choice format to test mathematical skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Math Kangaroo USA currently offers two competition formats:
- Individual Competition: Students solve problems independently and receive individual scores and rankings.
- Team Competition: Teams of 2–4 students discuss problems and submit one set of answers together. The U.S. Team Competition was first introduced as a pilot in fall 2025.
This page explains both competition formats and provides Math Kangaroo preparation resources for students and families. Think Academy is dedicated to helping students and families understand, select, and prepare for math competitions that effectively support students’ academic growth and skill development. Scroll down to explore our informational articles, and download detailed solutions of past exams and practice materials.
2027 Math Kangaroo Updates
Registration for the 2027 Math Kangaroo opens on September 15, 2026. To learn how to register and find the latest competition dates, deadlines, fees, and announcements, visit our complete 2027 Math Kangaroo guide. We’ll continue updating the guide as new information is released.
Start Preparing for Math Kangaroo 2027 Today
Join Think Academy’s 2027 Math Kangaroo Courses for Levels 1–6
Starting September 9, Think Academy’s 24-class online program helps students prepare systematically for the 2027 Math Kangaroo competition.
Choose from two pathways:
- Top 20 Mastery: Builds a complete foundation, reliable methods, and accuracy across all question types.
- Top 5 Elite: Develops speed and advanced strategies, with 50% of practice focused on challenging 5-point questions.
Courses cover geometry, number sense, counting, word problems, and logical reasoning, with algebra, number theory, probability, and statistics added at higher levels. Students also receive weekly homework with video solutions, 360 additional practice questions, teacher feedback, Q&A support, and five mock exams.
Not sure which level or pathway fits your child?
Math Kangaroo Test Date and Registration
Individual Competition
- Competition date: March 18, 2027
- Registration opens: September 15, 2026
- Regular registration deadline: December 31, 2026
- Late registration: January 1–February 1, 2027
- Participation: One student competes independently
- Eligibility: Grades 1–12; kindergarten students may compete at the Grade 1 level
- Testing options: In-person paper, online, remote-proctored, or virtual self-proctored
- Regular registration fee: $20 per student
- Late registration fee: $35 per student
- Important: The self-proctored option does not include official public rankings, awards, or participation gifts
Summary: The Individual Competition is held in March and offers both in-person and online participation options.
Team Competition
- Competition window: November 13–20, 2026
- Registration opens: June 15, 2026
- Regular registration deadline: September 30, 2026
- Late registration: October 1–15, 2026
- Team size: 2–4 students
- Team members: Students may be from different grades or schools
- Coach: Forms and registers the team
- Captain: Confirms and submits the team’s final answers
- Testing option: In person only at a participating school or center
- Regular registration fee: $15 per student; $8 for eligible Title I schools
- Late registration fee: $25 per student
Summary: The Team Competition is an in-person fall event, and the coach registers all team members together.
Math Kangaroo Format, Scoring and Rules
The Individual and Team Competitions cover similar mathematical topics, but they differ significantly in test length, question types, difficulty, scoring, and ranking.
| Category | Individual Competition | Team Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Test length | 75 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Participation | Each student works independently | Teams of 2–4 students work together |
| Question format | Multiple-choice questions with five answer choices | A mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions |
| Grades 1–4: number of questions | 24 multiple-choice questions | 24 questions: 16 multiple-choice and 8 short-answer |
| Grades 1–4: points per question | Questions 1–8: 3 points each Questions 9–16: 4 points each Questions 17–24: 5 points each | Questions 1–16: 25 points each Questions 17–24: 50 points each |
| Grades 1–4: maximum score | 96 points | 800 points |
| Grades 5–12: number of questions | 30 multiple-choice questions | 30 questions: 20 multiple-choice and 10 short-answer |
| Grades 5–12: points per question | Questions 1–10: 3 points each Questions 11–20: 4 points each Questions 21–30: 5 points each | Questions 1–20: 25 points each Questions 21–30: 50 points each |
| Grades 5–12: maximum score | 120 points | 1,000 points |
| Test content | Logical reasoning, algebraic thinking, number theory, geometry, spatial reasoning, and other grade-appropriate topics | The same subject areas as the Individual Competition, including logical reasoning, algebraic thinking, number theory, and geometry |
| Difficulty | Questions are divided into 3-, 4-, and 5-point difficulty levels | All questions are approximately equivalent to 4- or 5-point Individual Competition questions |
| Test levels | Grades 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12 | The same six test levels as the Individual Competition |
| Wrong answers | Incorrect or unanswered questions receive no points; there is no negative marking | Incorrect multiple-choice answers do not carry a penalty |
| Collaboration | Not allowed | Team members may discuss problems and agree on answers |
| Answer submission | Each student submits an individual answer sheet | The captain submits one answer sheet for the entire team |
| Calculators and rulers | Calculators, rulers, compasses, and protractors are not allowed | Calculators are not allowed; rulers may be used when needed |
| Ranking | Each student is ranked individually within their grade | The team competes and is ranked according to its highest-grade member |
Although adjacent grades take the same test level, rankings are calculated separately by grade. For example, a team whose oldest member is in Grade 5 takes the Grades 5–6 test but is ranked with Grade 5 teams.
In short:
- The Individual Competition includes questions across three difficulty levels and measures independent performance.
- The Team Competition is shorter but consists entirely of questions at approximately the 4- or 5-point level, including short-answer problems that require stronger collaboration and shared decision-making.
See the official Math Kangaroo curricula and Team Competition rules for additional details.
Think Academy hosts Math Kangaroo every year, both online and in person. Check our program page during the registration period to find a location near you.
Math Kangaroo Results and Awards
Individual Competition
- Results: Expected in early May 2027
- Score report: May include total score, national rank and percentile, and state rank and percentile
- National recognition: Based on the highest score ranks within each grade
- State recognition: Based on the top three score ranks within each grade and state
- Awards: May include medals, ribbons, certificates, educational gifts, camps, or special recognition
- Participation: All students receive a participation certificate
Summary: Individual awards recognize each student’s performance at both the national and state levels.
Team Competition
- Results and rankings: January 15, 2027
- Medal packages shipped: January 15–31, 2027
- Answer key published: February 15, 2027
- National winners published: March 1, 2027
- Top three national teams: Receive one team trophy, individual medals or pins, and digital certificates
- Grades 1–4 Excellence threshold: 650 out of 800
- Grades 5–12 Excellence threshold: 800 out of 1,000
- Excellence awards: Ribbons and digital Certificates of Excellence
- Participation: All team members receive a digital Certificate of Participation and a participation gift
Summary: Team awards recognize the group’s combined performance, with national team rankings and additional Excellence recognition.
The article below provides additional information about Math Kangaroo, helping you understand the competition’s rules and the benefits of student participation: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Math Kangaroo Participants
Math Kangaroo Individual Competition Data Facts
To understand more about the historical performance data for Math Kangaroo, see the information below.
Table 1 Total Number of Participants
| 2016 | 24,055 |
| 2017 | 28,668 |
| 2018 | 29,345 |
| 2019 | 31,837 |
| 2020 | 35,171 |
| 2021 | 31,004 |
| 2022 | 30,550 |
| 2023 | 36,421 |
| 2024 | 44,070 |
| 2025 | 53,562 |
The bar chart illustrates Math Kangaroo enrollment numbers from 2016 to 2025. The overall trend shows a consistent increase, except for a slight drop in 2021. Over this ten-year span, participation more than doubled, rising significantly from approximately 25,000 participants in 2016 to over 50,000 in 2025. The sharpest increases occurred after 2021, highlighting growing popularity and interest in the Math Kangaroo competition.
Table 2 Data Facts of 2025 Math Kangaroo
| The grade has the most participants | Grade 4 with 9,101 participants |
| The state has the most participants | CA with 21,612 participants (2024: CA with 17,941 participants) |
| The number of test centers | 1080 (2024: 839) |
| The state has the most test centers | CA with 375 test centers |
This bar chart displays Math Kangaroo enrollment by grade level, highlighting that most participants come from Grades 1 through 5. Grade 4 has the highest enrollment, closely followed by Grades 3 and 2. Enrollment significantly decreases from Grade 6 onward, with very few participants in higher grades (9–12). This distribution aligns with previous years, indicating consistent participation patterns in which younger students are more actively involved.
To learn more about Math Kangaroo participants’ statistics, click here.
Table 3 Math Kangaroo Winners and Rankings
| Year | National Top 1 | National Top 3 | National Top 20 | State Top 3 |
| 2025 | 655 | 1053 | 10,339 | 2,554 |
| 2024 | 227 | 439 | 4,801 | 1,761 |
| 2023 | 242 | 556 | 4,872 | 1,830 |
| 2022 | 894 | 1,467 | 7,354 | 2,694 |
| 2021 | 1,254 | 1,924 | 8,074 | 3,088 |
To learn more about Math Kangaroo awards statistics, click here.
Think Academy Achievements
The 2025 Math Kangaroo results have just been released! Congratulations to Think Academy students—7 out of every 10 participants achieved National Top 20 rankings. Check out Think Academy’s past achievements in Math Kangaroo below:
Table 4 Think Academy Award Winners Level 1-2
| Year | National Top 1 (Perfect Score) | National Top 3 | National Top 20 |
| 2025 | 21 | 36 | 312 |
| 2024 | 19 | 32 | 193 |
| 2023 | 22 | 29 | 147 |
| 2022 | 14 | 30 | 88 |
Table 5 Think Academy Award Winners Level 3-4
| Year | National Top 1 (Perfect Score) | National Top 3 | National Top 20 |
| 2025 | 33 | 61 | 349 |
| 2024 | 12 | 19 | 259 |
| 2023 | 16 | 42 | 168 |
| 2022 | 35 | 65 | 116 |
*updated 05/2025
The picture below shows the Math Kangaroo 2024 Level 2 National Top 1 results, highlighting our students’ outstanding performance:
To read more about Think Academy students’ achievements in other math competitions:
- 2025–2026: 2025 AMC 10, 2026 AMC 8, 2026 Math Kangaroo, 2026 MATHCOUNTS, 2026 USA(J)MO
- 2024-2025: 2024 AMC 10, 2025 AMC 8, 2025 Math Kangaroo
- 2023-2024: 2023 AMC 10, 2024 AMC 8, 2024 Math Kangaroo
- 2022-2023: 2022 AMC 10, 2023 AMC 8, 2023 Math Kangaroo
How to Prepare Effectively for Upcoming Math Kangaroo
Think Academy has helped over 5,000 students learn and prepare for Math Kangaroo. After thoroughly researching, analyzing, and reviewing students’ abilities, performance, and interests, we’ve developed a scientific, measurable, and achievable preparation plan tailored to students’ scores and goals. Follow these four steps:
- Locate your grade and score from your past exam or mock exam in the first column of the preparation table.
- Find your corresponding goal for the upcoming year in the third column.
- Follow the preparation timeline and complete corresponding tasks in the fourth column.
- Download Think Academy resources for each preparation period and register for our learning activities and classes.
A Comprehensive Preparation Plan for Math Kangaroo Level 1-2
| Score Range | Level | Target | Monthly Core Tasks | Support Resources |
| G1: 0–40 G2: 0-40 | Foundation | Aim for 65–70 | ✅ Jun–Aug: Build math language, recognize 3pt question types ✅ Sep–Nov: 3pt Daily Challenge + mock intro ✅ Dec–Jan: Intro to 4pt drills ✅ Feb–Mar: Foundation patch + full mock | 📘 Monthly mock (type recognition + timing) 🟦 Join 3pt/4pt Daily Challenge 🟩 3pt short-term class |
| G1: 40–55 G2: 40–65 | Intermediate | Aim for 86+ (Top 10%) | ✅ Jun–Aug: Error review + deepen 3pt understanding ✅ Sep–Nov: Structured 4pt practice + intro to 5pt ✅ Dec–Jan: 4pt/5pt Daily Challenge ✅ Feb–Mar: Mock review + timing strategy | 📘 Monthly mock with feedback 🟦 Join all Daily Challenges 🟦 Short-term classes for 4pt & 5pt |
| G1: 55–60 G2: 65–80 | Advanced | Aim for 90+ (Top 5%) | ✅ Jun–Aug: Full review, 5pt trap question practice ✅ Sep–Nov: 5pt logic and flexibility training ✅ Dec–Jan: 4pt+5pt speed sets ✅ Feb–Mar: Weekly simulation + mindset coaching | 📘 Weekly mock simulations 🟥 5pt strategy & trap drill class 🟥 Error reflection + sprint sessions |
A Comprehensive Preparation Plan for Math Kangaroo Level 3-4
| Current Score Range | Level | Target | Monthly Core Tasks | Support Resources |
| G3: 0–40 G4: 0–50 | Foundation | Aim for 65-75 | ✅ Jun–Aug: Understand problem wording, build 3pt base ✅ Sep–Nov: 3pt/4pt Daily Challenge ✅ Dec–Jan: Begin 4pt logic-based sets ✅ Feb–Mar: Mock intro + strategy | 📘 Monthly mock (progress tracking) 🟦 Join 3pt/4pt Daily Challenge 🟩 3pt comprehension class |
| G3: 40–55 G4: 50–65 | Intermediate | Aim for 86+ (Top 10%) | ✅ Jun–Aug: Solidify 4pt + explore logic types ✅ Sep–Nov: Intro to 5pt + flexible solving ✅ Dec–Jan: Combined 4pt/5pt Daily Challenge ✅ Feb–Mar: Mock + review | 📘 Monthly mock + error analysis 🟦 Full Daily Challenge participation 🟦 4pt/5pt strategic classes |
| G3: 55-70 G4: 65-86 | Advanced | Aim for 90+ (Top 5%) | ✅ Jun–Aug: 5pt deep dive + trap solving ✅ Sep–Nov: Simulated timed sets ✅ Dec–Jan: Full difficulty rotation ✅ Feb–Mar: Weekly mock + mindset coaching | 📘 Weekly mock simulations 🟥 5pt elite short-term classes 🟥 Competitive mindset workshops |
To help students prepare for Math Kangaroo, Think Academy provides various resources and materials below for reading and downloading. Enjoy!
Download 2027 Math Kangaroo Practice Problems and Resources
Prepare for the 2027 Math Kangaroo with this free resource pack. It helps families identify skills to strengthen, plan practice by topic, and prepare for competition day.
The pack includes:
- Math Kangaroo knowledge checklists for Levels 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6, based on the skills and topics tested in the 2026 competition
- 2027 Math Kangaroo mock exams for Levels 1–2 and 3–4, with available solution materials
- 100 topic-based Math Kangaroo practice questions for Levels 1–2 and 3–4
For students interested in exploring AMC 8, the pack also includes a knowledge-point checklist, a readiness evaluation, starter practice, and a daily challenge with step-by-step solutions.
Download the pack to assess your child’s current level, focus on topics that need practice, and use the mock exams to prepare for the 2027 competition.
Get Instant Access: Fill out the form below to receive our exclusive resource pack.
*Please enter a valid email address to access the materials and receive future prep updates.
Post-exam Analysis & Webinars
Think Academy provides detailed trend analyses after each year’s exam. Read the articles below to deepen your understanding of recent Math Kangaroo trends and changes:
Additionally, last year we hosted post-exam webinars immediately after the competition to help students reinforce what they’ve learned. Check the playback below:
Recorded Mini Sessions for Math Kangaroo Problems
We carefully selected foundational Math Kangaroo questions (3- and 4-point problems) from 2022 to 2024 and aligned them with relevant Common Core standards. Our analysis reveals that Math Kangaroo emphasizes logical reasoning and mathematical reading comprehension, making this video series an excellent resource for targeted practice. Check out the playlist below for recorded mini-sessions featuring key questions and step-by-step solutions from Math Kangaroo 2022–2024:
Think Academy Math Kangaroo Mini Session
About Think Academy
Think Academy US Online, part of TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), provides structured math and ELA programs that help students build strong academic foundations and grow with confidence. With expert teachers, proven methods, and innovative AI tools, we nurture learning ability, curiosity, and healthy study habits that support long-term growth and a lifelong love of learning.
Check our programs:
- Think Kids: Ages 3-5
- Math
- Lower Elementary Math — Grades 1–2
- Upper Elementary Math — Grades 3–5
- Middle School Math — Grade 6–8
- High School Math — Grade 9-12
- ELA
- Elementary ELA — Grades 2–5
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