Order of Operations Game: Learn PEMDAS the Fun Way
Most people think that getting a good grasp of their basic math skills, like learning your order of operations, requires one to sit through a 25-minute video or read a dozen pages of a mathematical textbook. However, learning math doesn't have to be boring—there are many other ways to make it exciting!
Enter math games and puzzles; the perfect way to enlighten and entertain.
Playing order of operation games like Mathler can sharpen your fundamentals, as well as boost your confidence, problem-solving, number sense and more!
What is an “order of operations game”?
It is exactly as it sounds: a math game that revolves around the rules of the basic order of operations involving numerical expressions. These games typically have the goal of having you evaluate expressions or create them from scratch while being within constraints.
Games like Mathler, Make 24, and Nerdle have you build expressions to hit a certain number while following specific rules, such as using all operations or filling in all expression slots. Others have you examine expressions and determine if they're correct within a very fast time limit.
Since order of operations games primarily rely on the core principles of math, it's important to remember that if your inputs are getting errors or give the wrong results, then there must be something wrong with how the expression is built. It could be something wrong with the symbols, or that the answer you thought of was incorrect from the get-go.
To give you a refresher and a reminder, always keep the acronym PEMDAS in mind:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication/Division (from left to right)
- Addition/Subtraction (from left to right).
Why learning order of operations matters
You'd be surprised at how relevant order of operations is in day-to-day life! From home to your school or job, you actually use it more often than you'd think. Here are scenarios where PEMDAS and fundamental mathematics are applied:
In a home setting
- Creating your house budget
- Calculating bills and household upkeep
- Estimating your grocery budget
In a school setting
- General academic activities like number exercises and calculations
- Splitting group expenses for social activities like eating dinner together at a restaurant or going on a trip
- Calculating your grades and extra credits
In a workplace setting
- Calculating your taxes
- Creating spreadsheet formulae
- Evaluating graphs and reports for presentations
There are a lot more situations that could be boiled down to math problems that require fundamental math skills and order of operations, but these are just some of the more common scenarios to give you an idea.
Other benefits of learning the order of operations and other math skills
Aside from being used for daily life, there are a lot of pros to improving your math skills via games and puzzles, such as (but not limited to):
- Sharper logical thinking – one of the clearest benefits of playing math puzzles is that they help players strengthen their core math skills. Regular puzzle-solving turns abstract concepts into active practice, training the mind to recognize useful patterns and apply mathematical rules instinctively when similar challenges arise.
- Improved number sense – math puzzles immerse players in the world of numbers—counting, operations and algebraic relationships. With consistent play, this exposure develops an intuitive grasp of how numbers behave. Over time, puzzle enthusiasts build sharper number sense and faster mental arithmetic than those who rarely engage with mathematical challenges.
- Faster mental arithmetic – mental math is one of the most underrated and heavily used applications of order of operations and mathematics. Learning how to calculate numbers in your mind faster makes it easier to solve things that involve numbers, ranging from calculating food bills to estimating how much gas you need to travel from point to point.
- Confidence in problem solving – For many people, numbers and equations can seem intimidating, especially in traditional classroom settings. That’s exactly why educators and schools have begun reimagining how math is taught—by introducing it through games and puzzles that make problem-solving fun, approachable, and rewarding.
Why math games are better for sharpening math skills
There are many reasons why playing numerical games and puzzles is better for improving core math skills than just picking up a fourth-grade mathematics textbook. Here are several (but not all) factors why:
✅ Gamified learning provides a more casual and appealing approach to education.
✅ Gives confidence-boosting quick wins that help retain knowledge through positive feedback.
✅ Highly accessible, either through the form of portable sheets, books, web apps and more.
✅ Can be played by most ages, from kids to seniors.
✅ Perfect for providing a change of pace for students and teachers in a classroom setting.
Mathler: the perfect order of operations challenge
Try it yourself: Play today’s Mathler puzzle and test your order of operations skills!
Mathler is one of the best games to get a good grasp of the order of operations. As a math puzzle, it hits everything you need to gamify your learning and experience and keep wanting to do so. If you're not familiar with it, here's a simple breakdown of the game:
- You're given a number and a certain number of expression slots to fill in with numbers 1-9 and basic operations.
- Your goal is to create an expression that will result in that number in six tries.
- Using a color-feedback system, you try to guess the correct expression while following the order of operations.
- Each input (if properly done) will have the expression slots change color to a specific status, guiding you towards the right answer.
Why Mathler?
⭐ Visually appealing with its minimalist design
⭐ Easy to understand and pick up
⭐ Perfect for quick sessions on certain difficulties
⭐ Very accessible on any mobile device or computer that has an internet connection
⭐ Tracks skill progress with an account
How to start training your knowledge of math fundamentals
You can start your journey towards mathematical proficiency by:
- Going to www.mathler.com or by visiting www.hey.gg
- Trying out the Practice Mode in lower difficulties to get a hang of how the game works
- Learn the different color hints of the feedback system and keep on solving
- Continue playing Mathler every day and solving the daily puzzles
Try Easy Practice Mathler now →
FAQ
Does Mathler have decimals and fractions?
No. Mathler only uses whole numbers in its puzzles.
Does Mathler have square roots and exponents?
No. You have the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and divide operations available, as well as parentheses. There are no brackets, braces and other symbols or properties in the game.
Is there a colorblind mode?
Yes! All you need to do is sign up for an HGG account.
Are the results shareable?
Definitely! You can share your results once you have an account. You can also track your games through it.
Are there any printables?
Yes. For teachers and students who want it, Mathler has a free e-book.
Play Mathler today and improve common core math skills!
We hope that we were able to help you understand the importance of learning the order of operations and why it doesn't have to be boring. If you're looking for more brain-boosting games like Mathler, check out our website and join the discussion in our official Discord server!