Parents' Guide to Coolmath

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Common Sense Media Review

Dana Anderson By Dana Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Info and games designed to boost math's fun factor.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 29 parent reviews

age 8+

Based on 88 kid reviews

Kids say that while the website offers some fun and educational games, it has recently been criticized for having too few math-focused games, excessive advertisements, and lag issues that hinder gameplay. Reviewers express mixed feelings, with some appreciating the fun aspect for entertainment during free time, while others feel it has lost its educational value and become frustrating due to ads and unplayable conditions.

  • excessive ads
  • lag issues
  • fun games
  • disappointing math
  • education value
  • mixed reviews
Summarized with AI

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.

What's It About?

Launched by a math teacher in 1997, COOLMATH offers info on addition, geometry, and other math concepts for grade-school- to high-school-aged kids. They can check out algebraic property definitions, learn multiplication tricks, or test out the online graphing calculator; separate sections also offer parents and teachers math-related activities and advice. The site also links to several other sites, including a math site for younger kids, coolmath4kids.com, and sites about teen stress management and other topics.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 29 ):
Kids say ( 88 ):

Since 1997, math teacher "Coolmath Karen" has run this award-winning site to spark kids' interest in all things math. The online math dictionary and calculators alone are enough to teach most basic math concepts, including algebra and geometry. In addition to the main sections for math practice, games, a math dictionary, and lesson help, there are also sections for parents (how to help with math homework: crying isn't a good sign) and teachers (tricks for getting kids motivated in the classroom). It also links to a companion site for younger kids (coolmath4kids.com) and other teen-related sites (totallystressedout.com and FinanceFreak.com). If you're a mathphobe or love to play math games or are just stuck on a new math concept in school, you should add COOLMATH.COM as one of your bookmarks.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why this math clearinghouse is so popular. What elements does it have that make math fun and understandable?

  • Coolmath.com's creator writes in detail about why the site contains a lot of ads. Families can talk about what they think of ads being on an educational site. Our parent tips on selling to kids will give you some talking points.

Website Details

  • Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading , Math : algebra , arithmetic , geometry
  • Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , problem solving , Self-Direction : academic development , personal growth
  • Genre : Educational
  • Pricing structure : Free (It's $5.99 per month to go ad-free on the linked games site.)
  • Last updated : January 15, 2025

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