If you’re just starting out, mental math can feel challenging at first. But with the right exercises and a bit of daily practice, you can quickly improve your speed and accuracy.
The key is to keep things simple and consistent. You don’t need long study sessions. A few minutes a day can make a big difference over time.
This guide gives you ten types of mental math exercises, with practice problems and answers for each. Start at the top and work down, or jump to the exercise you need most.
What Are Mental Math Exercises?
Mental math exercises are short calculation problems that you solve in your head, without a calculator or pen and paper. They train you to hold numbers in your memory, spot shortcuts, and recall basic facts quickly.
They are useful at any age. Children use them to build a foundation for school maths, and adults use them for everyday tasks such as shopping, splitting a bill or checking a total.
1. Start With Simple Addition and Subtraction
The best way to begin is with basic addition and subtraction. These are the building blocks for all mental math.
Start with small numbers and focus on doing the calculations in your head without writing anything down. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the difficulty.
Try these (addition):
- 8 + 7
- 14 + 9
- 25 + 16
- 38 + 24
Answers: 15, 23, 41, 62
Try these (subtraction):
- 15 − 8
- 40 − 17
- 63 − 28
- 100 − 46
Answers: 7, 23, 35, 54
For seven methods with worked examples, see how to add and subtract in your head.
2. Break Numbers Into Smaller Parts
One of the easiest techniques is to break numbers into smaller parts. For example:
27 + 15 can be split into 27 + 10 = 37, then 37 + 5 = 42.
This makes calculations easier and faster, especially when dealing with larger numbers.
Try these:
- 64 + 29
- 56 + 37
- 82 − 35
- 126 + 58
Answers: 93, 93, 47, 184
More shortcuts like this are in our mental math tricks.
3. Make Round Numbers
Round numbers (10, 50, 100) are easy to work with. Change one number to the nearest round number, then adjust your answer.
For example, 49 + 36: think 50 + 36 = 86, then subtract 1 to get 85.
Try these:
- 48 + 27
- 99 + 54
- 205 − 98
- 150 − 49
Answers: 75, 153, 107, 101
4. Practice Multiplication Step by Step
Multiplication becomes easier when you already know your tables. Start with simple ones like 2, 5, and 10, then move to harder ones.
Level 1: 2 × 7, 5 × 8, 10 × 13, 3 × 6, 4 × 9
Answers: 14, 40, 130, 18, 36
Level 2: 6 × 7, 8 × 8, 7 × 9, 12 × 6, 11 × 7
Answers: 42, 64, 63, 72, 77
If you need help, you can combine this with mental math practice sessions focused on multiplication.
Use the times tables chart to check your answers.
5. Multiply Larger Numbers by Splitting Them
Once you know your tables, you can multiply a two-digit number by a single digit. Split the two-digit number into tens and units, multiply each part, and add the results.
For example, 23 × 4 is (20 × 4) + (3 × 4) = 80 + 12 = 92.
Try these:
- 35 × 6
- 48 × 5
- 19 × 7
- 27 × 3
Answers: 210, 240, 133, 81
Hint for 48 × 5: halve 48 to get 24, then multiply by 10. For 19 × 7: do 20 × 7 = 140, then subtract 7.
6. Practice Division as the Opposite of Multiplication
Division is easier if you think of it as a multiplication question. For 56 ÷ 7, ask yourself: “What times 7 equals 56?” The answer is 8.
Try these:
- 36 ÷ 4
- 72 ÷ 9
- 84 ÷ 12
- 96 ÷ 8
- 150 ÷ 5
Answers: 9, 8, 7, 12, 30
Hint for 150 ÷ 5: double the number to get 300, then divide by 10.
7. Estimate Before You Calculate
Estimating is a quick exercise that trains number sense. Round the numbers to something easy, calculate roughly, and then see how close you are.
For 39 × 6, round 39 up to 40. Then 40 × 6 = 240, so the real answer is a little under 240. (It is 234.)
Estimate these, then work out the exact answer if you like:
- 49 × 4 (about 200, exact answer 196)
- 61 + 38 (about 100, exact answer 99)
- 198 − 73 (about 125, exact answer 125)
8. Use Timed Exercises
Once you feel comfortable, try adding a time limit. This helps improve your speed and focus.
For example, solve as many problems as you can in one minute. Over time, you’ll notice that your speed naturally improves.
Keep it friendly. Start with a generous limit, then reduce the time as your accuracy improves. Accuracy comes first, and speed follows.
9. Mix Different Types of Problems
Instead of practicing only one type of operation, try mixing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
This trains your brain to switch quickly between different types of problems and improves overall mental flexibility.
Try these:
- 6 × 7 − 10
- 12 × 5 + 8
- 9 × 8 + 4
- 81 ÷ 9 + 15
- (50 + 25) ÷ 5
Answers: 32, 68, 76, 24, 15
10. Practice a Little Every Day
Consistency is more important than intensity. Practicing for just 5 minutes a day is better than long sessions once in a while.
Here is a simple 10-minute plan you can follow:
- 2 minutes: warm up with easy addition and subtraction
- 3 minutes: focus on one area, such as the 6, 7 or 8 times table
- 3 minutes: mixed problems
- 2 minutes: review the problems you got wrong
For a longer plan, see our simple daily mental math routine.
Track Your Progress
Seeing your improvement is motivating. Try to track how fast you solve problems or how many correct answers you get.
Over time, you’ll notice that you’re solving problems faster and with fewer mistakes.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Going too fast too soon. Speed without accuracy builds bad habits.
- Practicing only what you already know. Spend most of your time on the problems you find hard.
- Skipping the basics. Slow recall of times tables makes every other exercise harder.
- Practicing in long, rare sessions. Short daily practice works better.
- Not checking answers. Always check, so you learn from mistakes.
Practice These Exercises With PureMath
Working from a list is a good start, but it takes effort to make up new problems every day. That’s where PureMath can help.
PureMath is a mental math trainer with short, focused exercises in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, either one at a time or mixed. The difficulty increases as you improve, and it includes times tables practice and memory games. Progress tracking, reminders and a streak calendar help you practice a little every day.
It is designed for different ages and skill levels, from children building the basics to adults who want to keep their minds sharp.
Download PureMath on the App Store or try the mental math practice page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best mental math exercises for beginners?
Start with simple addition and subtraction, then learn to break numbers into parts. After that, move on to multiplication tables and mixed problems.
How long should I practice mental math each day?
Five to ten minutes a day is enough for most beginners. Short daily sessions work better than long ones once a week.
How can I get faster at mental math?
First get accurate, then add a time limit. Learn your multiplication facts, use shortcuts such as rounding and splitting numbers, and track your progress. Our guide to improving mental math skills fast has more tips.
Is mental math good for kids?
Yes. It builds number sense and confidence. Games make practice more enjoyable. See our math games for kids for ideas.
Are there mental math exercises for adults?
Yes, the same exercises work for adults. Our guide to mental math for adults has a 4-week plan and everyday examples.
Final Thoughts
Mental math is a skill that anyone can learn. Starting with simple exercises and practicing regularly will help you build confidence and improve your abilities step by step.
Stick with it, keep your sessions short, and focus on steady progress. The results will come faster than you expect.