WondStep
← Back to Glossary

Mental Math

Grades 1–5

Definition

Mental math is the practice of doing calculations in your head without using paper, a pencil, or a calculator.

Mental math uses tricks like rounding, breaking numbers apart, or using facts you already know to make calculations faster in your head.

Examples

  • 25 + 25 = 50 (you can add these in your head).
  • 9 x 5 = 45 (you know this from your times tables).
  • 100 - 37 = 63 (think: 100 - 40 = 60, then add back 3).

Related Terms

Practice Worksheets