77 Free Math Resources and Online Tools for Students and Teachers
Get help with your math studies at any level of education. Check out these free online tools for math students in K-12, college, grad school and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Math skills are a critical part of education at every level from kindergarten through higher education. There are numerous online resources designed to help students at each of these levels with essential math skills.
- Math resources listed here include free games, test prep programs, instructional videos, and much more.
- Some math resources even offer direct access to communities of learners, math tutors, and experts in math and other STEM subjects.
Basic math skills are critical to your survival at every grade level. From kindergarten students to middle school students, from high schoolers to college students, students of all ages can use a little help with their basic math skills.
Fortunately, there are countless math websites, math resources, and math-based educational videos that are available to you completely for free. From math games, math test prep and math videos to comprehensive math centers and learning centers, you can master key mathematical concepts on your own time.
Featured Programs
Learn Mathematics Using Widely Available Resources
Mathematics is considered one of the most difficult subjects for many students. One study showed that 82% of US students between grades 7 and 10 are struggling with math. While math confidence is a constant issue in the US, the pandemic amplified the problem, thus increasing the fear and loss of interest among students.
To bridge the gap, there are many math resources that provide guided math curriculum and exercise for learners. But why do many students struggle with math? Take a look at some of the most common reasons:
Reasons Why Students Grapple with Math
Attention Difficulties: One of the main reasons why math is challenging for so many students is because math requires multi-step solutions. Student have to perform different consecutive steps to find a solution.
Doing so requires an active focus on the math problem at hand. Many students struggle with losing focus and an inability to free themselves from distractions when trying to solve math problems.
Because of the lack of attention, students can potentially miss crucial steps in the problem-solving process. This becomes an especially acute issue when trying to solve problems on their own.
Math Builds Upon Previous Theories. Mathematics experts agree on one thing—that math is built on sequential learning. If one student fails to understand the concept of the previous lesson, chances are, he/she will continue to struggle when newer theories are introduced. To minimize fractions, for example, students have to master division first.
To perform algebra, a student has to be comfortable with multi-step arithmetic, and so on. Sadly, most students struggling with math are embarrassed and uncomfortable to ask questions in class, especially when the teacher has already moved on to the next lesson.
Think of math concepts as building blocks. The foundational layer has to laid before moving on to the next layer (or math concept, as it were). Without the foundation, students will continue to struggle.
Students Learn the Concepts but Lack Understanding. Some students don’t have a hard time executing an operation through repetition. However, not everybody understands the meaning behind it. For instance, students may know that “6x6=36”, simply because they memorized it, and not because they completely understand how multiplication works.
Because of this, many students learn so much from visual presentations, like using small objects (coins, marbles) when learning their multiplication and division. The truth is, students learn differently; and it can be challenging to encompass each student’s unique learning style. That is where individualized learning from different math resources helps.
Impatience and Lack of Practice: There is no secret to succeeding in math. It simply requires practice. A lot of students, unfortunately, do not dedicate enough time to practicing math concepts. There are times when students completely understand a concept, but when a math problem is given, they seem to be at a loss on how or where to begin.
Others are overly confident just by looking at their teachers explain math lessons, only to realize that independently solving math problems tends to be more challenging. There isn’t a single easy or quick solution to mastering math—it requires patience and a lot of practice.
“When Will I Ever Use Math?“: This is a very classic line every math teacher hears. But this line also signifies how students look at math as something they can never use outside of a classroom. Simply put, students cannot connect math to reality, nor do they see any relevance as to how they can use it in their daily lives.
For example, a student struggling with fractions may also have a hard time understanding how to convert ½ fraction to decimal. Conversely, the same student will not have any issue that “half a dollar” is the same as 50 cents. See the disparity? This is what students often experience when they struggle with math.
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For math games, practice tests, and other math websites, check out these 77 free math resources for students.
Standardized Math Test Help
These math websites can help prepare for standardized exams.
- Mathhelp.com –Covering important math concepts you need to ace your exam.
- Mathematics State Practice Tests – These math resources for grades 3-11 can help young learners prepare for the Iowa Assessment Tests.
- Free Practice Tests and Prep Course Reviews – Free practice tests and complete prep course review in a wide range of math subjects (and beyond).
- ACT Math Test Prep – Get help preparing for the math section of the ACT.
- Math.com Test Prep Resources – A definitive guide including educational content on everything covered by the SAT, ACT, and GED.
- Free Online Practice Tests –Practice tests, study guides, flash cards, answer key, and other learning resources.
State Math Exam Prep
Most states or regions have their own standardized math exams. Get help preparing in these states.
- Mathematics Practice Tests – Practice tests for grades 3-8 exams plus algebra and geometry for older students, specific to the NJSLA.
- Pennsylvania Department of Education – What to expect on Pennsylvania mathematics exams.
- Practice Tests and Sample Questions for Smarter Balanced – These practice tests are used in all Smarter Balanced states and territories (including California, Vermont, and Michigan) and can help you prepare for exam questions.
Math Skill Assessment
Get a free and accurate assessment of math skills for students of all ages and grade levels.
- Prepare for Accuplacer – Evaluate students’ skills in math, writing, and other subjects college course placement.
Game Based Math Resources
Find math games that recognize and optimize the various ways that play and rewards motivate children and improve learning outcomes.
- Math Score Improvement Software – Improve exam scores with interactive games focused on the ISEE, SSAT, ACT, or SAT.
- Math Learning Center – The Math Learning Center is a veritable math playground, with a multitude of fun game resources for kids and educators, including app-based activities, cool math puzzles, and other fun activities for kids.
- Math Blaster–Math Blaster is a game first introduced in 1983, and is the ultimate play based math learning for parents and kids.
- Math is Fun – A fun resource with math lingo and math facts kids, grades pre k and up.
- Math Fortress – Fun videos and interactive games let kids and their parents use play to strengthen skills in linear algebra, calculus, algebra, and more.
Support Resources
These support resources are great for parents, kids and teachers at all ages from, pre k and up.
- Online Resources for Math Assessment, Test Prep and SAT/GED Prep – A great math resource for parents and kids who are homeschooled or students who just want a bit of extra common core support during the school year.
- IntMath tutoring and free lessons – An established service since 1997 offering free math lessons, including algebra, money, trigonometry, problem solving, calculus, and much more. Tutoring options too! (Sponsored Link)
- Free Online Math Tutoring Sessions – This support learning model lets you work in small groups or 1 on 1.
Online Math Tutoring
Check out these free resources for math tutoring below.
- Free Online Math Tutoring – From statistics and precalculus to geometry and trigonometry, this is a comprehensive site for learning maths of every kind.
- Mathtutor: A Free Site Where Middle School Students Learn Math – With automatic record-keeping and interactive tutors.
- Wave Learning Festival – Wave Tutoring is open to everyone and provides hour-long classes offered on Discord or Zoom.
- Varsity Tutors – Free and live online lessons in a wide range of subjects including math.
Free Math Classroom Sites
Check out free online math classes, pre-taped lectures, and interactive online experiences.
- Khan Academy – Khan Academy is one of the world’s most famous online classrooms, with free world-class lessons in just about every subject.
- Literacy Minnesota – Access all kinds of free classes, such as mathematical reasoning, through Literacy Minnesota.
- Free Interactive Lessons from Award-Winning Harvard Instructors – Learn from the best with SchoolYourself’s Harvard-educated instructors.
- Free Group Classes from Bored of Boredom – Bored of Boredom teaches group classes in an engaging way, in both academic and non-academic subjects, with most lessons geared toward kids in grades K-8.
COVID-19 Math Resources
In the wake of the pandemic, more students than ever before are playing catch-up or making the adjustment to online learning. Check out these math resources aimed at addressing some of the math learning challenges created by COVID-19.
- Continuing Education During Covid – With 1:1 mentoring, community support, and even events beyond the classroom, CovEd is a peer tutoring platform that helps guide kids through at-home learning.
- Free Educational Tutoring – Resources from Pandemic Professors are available in both Spanish and English, with tools available such as coding classes, mental health advocacy resources, K-12 tutoring, and more.
Math Resources for At-Risk Populations
Many marginalized or at-risk groups face challenges accessing quality math education or seizing opportunities in the STEM fields. These resources are aimed at helping various groups gain access and achieve excellence.
- Free One-on-One Online Tutoring – Learn to Be offers free 1:1 online tutoring to kids with underserved communities.
- Florida Literacy Coalition – Helpful YouTube videos covering lesson plans typically included on the GED.
- Dyscalculia.org – Dyscalculia is a learning disability that makes it difficult to learn and understand arithmetic. These resources can help students with dyscalcluia master mathematics.
- Math Alliance – An active group of graduate students, teachers, and faculty members, this organization works to build a diverse, inclusive community in the field of mathematics.
- Mathematical Sciences Institutes Diversity Initiative (MSIDI) – Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Mathematical Sciences Institutes Diversity Initiative is a collaboration among the various institutes to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics.
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society – A nonprofit organization, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society focuses on increasing the representation of indigenous peoples in STEM disciplines.
- Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT – This organization offers professional development, educational resources, and community enrichment activities for unrepresented individuals and young learners in information technology disciplines.
Tools for Basic Math Skills
Here are some more resources to give you the help you need in mathematics.
- Free Online Graphing Calculator – A free online graphing calculator.
- Examples for Mathematics – Lesson plans on WolframAlpha, including elementary math, geometry, algebra, and many others.
- iMathematics Pro – This app can help you solve math problems and prepare for upcoming mathematics exams.
- MyScript Calculator – Another app to try is MyScript Calculator, which can serve as a stand-in for other calculator apps.
- Simple Talking Calculator – A full-screen calculator with all the basic math functions you need, regardless of grade level.
- Virtual Manipulatives – The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a helpful digital resource with tools for algebra, geometry, measurement, and more.
Advanced Math Tools
Math students in high-level courses and programs can benefit from resources focused on challenging areas like advanced algebra and calculus.
- Online Calculus Tools – This website has a list of resources that can make the challenging subject of calculus just a little easier.
- Calculus.org – A list of additional support sites for Calculus students.
- Simulations – Interactive activities, simulations, and other math topics including Area Model Algebra, a Calculus Grapher, and more.
Valuable Research About Math
Read these scholarly studies in areas like math instruction, equity in access to quality math education, and the impact of math anxiety on a variety of student demographics
- ELLs and Mathematics – This study introduces factors that can influence English Language Learners’ success in Mathematics.
- Math Anxiety in Female and Underrepresented Minority Students a Literature Review – This study from explores the role that math anxiety plays for female and underrepresented BIPOC students.
- Black and Brown Students’ Mathematics Anxiety in Elementary School–This study explores the heightened math anxiety faced by BIPOC students of all ages and grade levels.
- Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety in Developmental Math Students at Community College –This master’s thesis explores the math anxiety faced by community college students.
- Equity in Mathematics: Helping Every Young Adolescent Access the Content – This study explores how to introduce teaching practices that increase access for kids and young learners across the board.
- Mathematics Instruction with an Equity Lens – This article explores the many different faces that equity can take in the mathematics classroom.
- How to Engage More Students of Color in Math – This article explores the ways in which a student’s community can support math achievement.
- Building Equity in the Mathematics Classroom – This articles explores the way that changing math learning strategies can help advance opportunities for underrepresented student populations.
Multimedia Math Resources
See the innovative ways some math resources are using puzzles, play, games and video to take math learning into a multimedia setting.
- Virtual Nerd: Middle Grades through Algebra 2 – With more than 1,500 different interactive video lessons, this resource is ideal to guide students in math, from grade 6 all the way through Algebra 2.
- Photomath – Not sure how to answer a problem? Just take a picture of it! Photomath can help.
- Meet a Mathematician – At this link, you’ll find a collection of video interviews with mathematicians.
- Math Equity Toolkit –A complete toolkit on equity in mathematics educatione.
Tips for Managing Math Anxiety
Resources to help teachers, parents and students manage math anxiety.
- Making Math Anxiety “Disappear” for Young Black Girls – Strategies to encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM at all ages.
- How to Overcome Math Anxiety – Helpful tips for teachers and students working to combat math anxiety.
- Ten Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety – Tips for overcoming negative self talk, using all available mental health resources at your school, and more.
- Overcoming Math Anxiety – Tips for selecting math courses that can help relieve feelings of math anxiety.
- How to Help Kids with Math Anxiety – Tools for students facing math anxiety.
Adult Math Skills
Here are some top resources for learning maths as an adult student.
- Targeted Math Instruction for Adult Learners – These 12 lessons can help you enhance your math skills as you prepare for the GED, HiSET, or TASC exam.
- Learn GED Math Lessons Online – Here’s an ultimate list of the best mathematics websites for students who are preparing for the GED.
- Adult Education Mathematics Library – Whether you’re preparing for a test or just want to improve your math skills, this list of adult education resources should help.
- Adult Education GED Links – Know exactly what to expect from the GED math section.
- Utah Education Network Resources for K-12 Education – A complete collection of math topics for adult learners as well as for those in grades K-12.
Math Knowledge and Equity
These resources help make math education more equitable - regardless of race, gender, location, socioeconomic status, and other factors.
- Twelve Ways to Make Math More Culturally Responsive – A resource that can help you, as a teacher, employ culturally responsive teaching in math.
- The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – This article explores the reasons why women and girls tend to be underrepresented in STEM disciplines - as well as a few potential solutions to resolve the inequity.
- Access and Equity in Mathematics Education – Learn more here about the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ position on sustaining a culture of math equity and acces.
- Advancing Equity in Math Classrooms – Tips for advancing math equity by designing culturally relevant curricula and lesson plans.
- Ohio Center for Equity in Mathematics and Science – Resources from the Ohio Center for Equity in Mathematics and Science for improving collaboration and communication among math educators around the state.
- Math Equity and College Completion – A research program from USC designed to improve access to college education and graduation rates in mathematics education majors.
BIPOC Math Organizations
Consider joining one of these organizations for BIPOC students majoring in mathematics disciplines.
- Latinxs and Hispanics in the Mathematical Sciences – This organization provides a multifaceted platform for members of the Hispanic and Latinx mathematics community.
- Mathematically Gifted and Black – Recognizing the accomplishments of black mathematicians and scholars at all ages and grade levels.
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) – Celebrating the advancement of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American students in STEM disciplines.
- Center for Minorities in the Mathematical Sciences – Helping minority mathematicians work toward equity for all in the field of mathematics.
- American Mathematical Society – Advancing research and creating connections with mathematicians everywhere.
More Math Resources
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