MathCON
A US national math competition for grades 4-12, featuring an online qualifying round and in-person finals for top scorers in Chicago.
Grade Levels
Grades 4-12
Format
Multiple Choice · 32 questions · Varies by round
Scoring
Online round scored by grade level. Top 628 scorers nationally qualify for in-person finals at McCormick Place, Chicago.
Participants
50,000+
January
Online test opens (mid-January)
March
Online test closes (mid-March)
May
National Finals in Chicago (late May)
Registration
Through schools or individual registration
Prizes & Recognition
National Finals trophies, medals, and certificates. Top scorers in the online round receive awards by grade level.
About This Competition
MathCON is a nonprofit math competition serving over 50,000 students across the United States each year. Open to grades 4 through 12, it combines accessible online participation with an exciting in-person finals experience.
The competition begins with an online test of 32 questions tailored by grade level, available from mid-January through mid-March. Students can participate through their schools or register individually, making it one of the more accessible competitions for homeschooled students. Questions are designed to be grade-appropriate, so elementary students (grades 4-6) are tested on content matching their level.
The top 628 scorers nationally are invited to the National Finals held at McCormick Place in Chicago. This in-person event features competitive rounds, awards ceremonies, and a celebration of mathematical achievement. MathCON's combination of low-barrier online entry and prestigious finals creates an engaging pathway that motivates students to develop their mathematical skills.
How to Prepare
Review Core Math Concepts Thoroughly
MathCON covers algebra, geometry, number sense, and data analysis. Ensure solid understanding of grade-level concepts as the foundation for competition problems.
Online Round Then Finals Pathway
MathCON starts with an online qualifying round. Prepare by practicing under timed online conditions so the format feels familiar on competition day.
Use MathCON's Practice Tests and Videos
MathCON provides free practice tests and instructional videos at mathcon.org. Work through multiple years of practice tests to see the range of topics covered.
Finalists Compete Live in Chicago
Top online performers qualify for the live finals. Whether or not you make finals, the preparation process strengthens your mathematical skills significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MathCON?
MathCON is a US national math competition for grades 4-12. It begins with an online test of 32 questions by grade level, open from January to March. The top 628 scorers nationally are invited to the in-person finals at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Can individual students participate?
Yes. Unlike many math competitions that require school registration, MathCON accepts both school-based and individual entries, making it accessible to homeschooled students and those whose schools don't participate.
What is the MathCON Finals experience like?
The National Finals bring together the top 628 scorers from across the country to compete in person at McCormick Place in Chicago. It's a full-day event with competition rounds, awards ceremonies, and the chance to meet fellow math enthusiasts.
What grade levels are covered?
MathCON covers grades 4 through 12. The online test is tailored by grade level, so elementary students (grades 4-6) compete against peers in their own grade, not against older students.