Math Kangaroo FAQ & Resources
This page provides comprehensive information about Math Kangaroo. 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.
What is Math Kangaroo
Math Kangaroo is a large international mathematics competition held annually for students in Grades 1–12 across over 90 countries, with the highest participation typically seen in Grades 1–5. This popular math competition aims to make mathematics engaging and enjoyable through a multiple-choice format that not only tests basic number and operation skills but also emphasizes math comprehension and logical thinking. Participating in Math Kangaroo provides a unique opportunity for students worldwide to test their abilities, develop a love for math in a fun and competitive environment, and receive various certificates and awards that provide them with a strong sense of achievement.
Math Kangaroo Test Date and Registration
Math Kangaroo is typically held on the third Thursday of March. The registration usually begins in mid-September.
Math Kangaroo is open to all students from Grades 1 through 12. It welcomes participants regardless of their school or educational background—public, private, charter, or homeschooled students can all participate. There are no specific prerequisites or qualification requirements beyond being in the appropriate grade levels.
Math Kangaroo is accessible through schools, online and on-site test centers. It also provides a self-proctored exam option, which does not include gifts, awards, or official public rankings.
Math Kangaroo Format, Scoring and Rules
The competition consists of a single 75-minute test, all of the questions are multiple-choice format with 5 options. Both online or paper-based tests are available.
Scoring Structure
- Grades 1 to 4:
- Total number of questions: 24
- Maximum total score: 96 points
- Grades 5 to 12:
- Total number of questions: 30
- Maximum total score: 120 points
Scoring Breakdown
- 1/3 of the questions: 3 points each
- 1/3 of the questions: 4 points each
- 1/3 of the questions: 5 points each
Scoring Rules
- Each correct answer adds points to the total score.
- Incorrect or unanswered questions do not contribute points.
- There is no penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers.
- The total points earned determine students’ rankings and eligibility for awards and certificates.
Exam Rules
Calculators, rulers, compasses, protractors, and other aids are strictly prohibited. Scratch paper is provided by testing centers, and students may request additional sheets or bring their own blank, unmarked paper (no lined or graph paper allowed). Students must rely solely on their knowledge, clearly marking answers as instructed.
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
The competition results are typically released approximately four weeks after the exam date. Students can log in to the official Math Kangaroo website to check their scores and download certificates. The score report includes the student’s total score, national rank and percentile, as well as state rank and percentile.
Math Kangaroo offers both national and state awards:
- National Awards are presented to the top-scoring students across the country, including:
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals for students ranked 1st through 3rd nationally.
- Additional prizes such as puzzle boxes, plush kangaroos, and other educational gifts for students ranked within the top 10 or 20 nationwide.
- Special recognitions, including Wolfram|Alpha Notebook Editions for students in Grades 5–12, and college grants for outstanding achievers.
- State Awards recognize the top three performers within each state:
- Top students receive Blue, Red, and White Ribbons corresponding to their state rank (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).
All participants receive a certificate of participation. Gifts, medals, ribbons, and other awards are typically mailed to students’ registered addresses within a few weeks following the announcement of results. The exact timing may vary depending on the distribution process and the student’s location.
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 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:
- 2024-2025: 2024 AMC 10, 2025 AMC 8, 2025 Math Kangaroo (To be announced)
- 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 Kangaro 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 Kangaro 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!
Math Kangaroo Past Exam Solutions and Downloadable Exercise Pack
Explore Math Kangaroo exam detailed solutions from 2023 to 2025. Think Academy’s 100 Questions Collection for Levels 1–2 and 3–4 provides valuable practice to strengthen critical thinking & problem-solving skills, enhance math comprehension, and boost confidence for upcoming competitions.
Fill Out the Form Below to Download NOW
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, wholly owned by TAL Education Group, specializes in preparing students for the Math Kangaroo competition. Each year, over 300 Think Academy students win Math Kangaroo awards. Supported by world-class resources and expert coaching, we empower students to achieve exceptional results in international mathematics competitions. Click to explore our Math Kangaroo preparation courses.
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