Math Mammoth is an affordable, mastery-oriented homeschool math curriculum for grades 1-8 that uses a self-teaching worktext format emphasizing conceptual understanding and mental math skills.
What is Math Mammoth?
Math Mammoth is a complete homeschool math curriculum created by Maria Miller that covers grades 1-8 using a worktext format where teaching explanations and student exercises appear in the same book. The curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization, explaining the "why" behind mathematical concepts rather than just procedures. Math Mammoth uses a mastery-based approach with some spiral elements, meaning students concentrate deeply on topics before moving on while periodically reviewing previously learned material. The program is notably affordable compared to competitors, with the entire K-7 curriculum available digitally for under $200.
Key Takeaways
- Complete K-8 math curriculum starting at $37.50 per grade level (digital download)
- Self-teaching worktext format requires minimal teacher preparation
- Strong emphasis on conceptual understanding, mental math, and word problems
- Free placement tests help determine the correct starting level
- Includes free video lessons for grades 1-7 to supplement instruction
Who Math Mammoth Works Best For
Math Mammoth shines for families seeking a rigorous yet affordable curriculum that doesn't require parents to be math experts. The self-teaching format works particularly well for students in grades 3-6 who can work independently while parents focus on younger siblings. Parents of children with dyscalculia have reported success due to the thorough explanations, and families transitioning from easier curricula appreciate the step-by-step approach. The PDF versions even allow typing answers directly, making it helpful for students who struggle with handwriting.
Placement Testing is Essential
One consistent piece of advice from experienced Math Mammoth users: always use the free placement tests before starting. Many popular curricula are actually easier than Math Mammoth, so placing a child at the same grade level they were at with a previous program often leads to frustration. The placement tests take about an hour and help identify the appropriate starting level based on actual skill mastery rather than age or previous curriculum completion.
How It Compares
The Bottom Line
Math Mammoth represents one of the best values in homeschool math curriculum, offering comprehensive, conceptually-rich instruction at a fraction of what many competitors charge. The self-teaching format means less daily prep work for parents, and the strong emphasis on understanding—not just memorizing—builds a foundation that serves students well into high school. If you're looking for an affordable, thorough math program and your student doesn't need highly interactive or gamified content, Math Mammoth deserves serious consideration.
