Mathcounts

MathCounts, stylized as MATHCOUNTS, is a nonprofit organization that provides extracurricular mathematics programs for grades 6 through 8 in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Department of Defense schools. Its mission is to provide engaging math programs for middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem-solving.

In MathCounts, testing is conducted in four separate rounds: the Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown rounds.

The Sprint Round consists of 30 problems to be completed in 40 minutes. This round tests competitors' accuracy and speed. As a result of the difficulty and time constraint, many competitors do not finish all the problems in the Sprint Round.

The Target Round consists of eight problems presented in sets of two, with each set having a six-minute time limit. Calculators are permitted. This round tests competitors' accuracy and problem-solving skills. Many later problems are very difficult, even with the aid of a calculator, and students commonly leave questions blank.

The Team Round consists of 10 problems to be solved in 20 minutes. Calculators are permitted. Only the four students on a school's or state's team may take this round officially. The Team Round tests the team's collaboration and problem-solving skills.

The Countdown Round is optional. Competitors buzz in to answer questions. Execution of the Countdown Round varies, with some locations using a one-on-one format and some having multiple competitors at the buzzers at once. The Countdown Round may be official (affecting competitors' scores) or unofficial. It tests competitors' speed and reflexes. The Countdown Round determines the National Champion at MathCounts Nationals.

Topics covered in the competition include geometry, counting, probability, number theory, and algebra.