When it comes to teaching math, you’ve probably tried everything from quizzes over breakfast to extra homework help. But modern technology has introduced a clever new skill-building method: digital math games for kids.
The Best Math Apps for Kids
We’ve picked our favorite math apps for students of all ages, designed to teach arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Some of our faves include:
- Bedtime Math
- Elmo Loves 123s
- Reflex Student
- Monster Math
- SplashLearn
- Marble Math Junior
- Khan Academy Tree
- Moose Math
- Preschool Math Games
- Montessorium: Intro to Math
Some of the math apps even meet Common Core State Standards. And the best part is that your child will have so much fun, they’ll hardly even know that they’re actually learning!
1. Bedtime Math by Bedtime Math Foundation
Geared for families with kids ages 3–9 and available in both English and Spanish, this app provides a daily math problem plus a surprise problem of the day, along with a whole archive of math problems. Plus, research shows that students who did Bedtime Math games just one night a week significantly increased their math achievement compared to peers. Not too bad for an app that doubles as before-bed fun!
(Ages 3-9; Free, iOS and Android)
2. Elmo Loves 123s by Sesame Workshop
You can’t go wrong with Elmo, and the free Elmo Loves 123s app comes packed with plenty of activities for toddlers and preschoolers, from number tracing to counting games and even coloring pages. Plus, there’s a built-in parent tracker so you can see what your child has learned along the way.
(Ages 0-5; $4.99, iOS and Android)
3. Reflex Student by ExploreLearning
This game-based learning app is geared towards students in grades 2–8 and helps them build their math recall skills while increasing confidence. The Reflex Student app games automatically adjust to challenge them in new ways as they play.
(Grades 2-8; Free, iOS)
4. Monster Math 2 by Makkajai
In this math game for kids, a monster named Maxx will help teach your child basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Playing Monster Math 2, your kid will learn multiple skills at once while helping Maxx fight enemies, explore, and save his friend Dextra. You can even enter “Multiplayer Mode” and compete with others online!
(Grades 1-3; Free, iOS and Android)
5. SplashLearn by StudyPad, Inc.
Calling all visual learners! This math app seeks to make arithmetic fun and engaging with a self-paced, curriculum-aligned program. For example, SplashLearn’s kindergarten level features shapes and counting, while the fifth-grade level focuses on multiplication, division, basic algebra, fractions, and decimals. The app also has several stand-out features: virtual rewards, a progress dashboard, and explanations for wrong answers.
(Preschool-5th Grade; Free, iOS and Android)