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These two share a lot of DNA: both are mastery-based, both build real understanding, and both use visual models and mental math. The big differences are who does the teaching, how they look, and what they cost.
Side by side
| Singapore Math | Math Mammoth | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mastery, very visual | Mastery, written explanation |
| Who teaches | You, with the teacher’s guide | The page (written to the kid) |
| Your time | High | Medium |
| Looks | Colorful, illustrated | Plain, black and white |
| Format | Print textbooks and workbooks | PDF or print worktexts |
| Grades | Pre-K–8 | 1–7 |
| Cost | $$ | $ |
Which one fits your kid?
Choose
Singapore Math if…
- You enjoy teaching and want to be involved
- Your kid loves pictures and color
- You want the famous bar-model approach front and center
- Your kid is younger and needs you there anyway
Choose
Math Mammoth if…
- Budget matters
- You want your kid to work more independently
- You have several kids and want to reprint pages
- Your kid reads well
Our honest take
Singapore if you want to teach and your kid needs a beautiful, visual program. Math Mammoth if you want similar depth at a fraction of the price, with more independence.
Questions parents ask
Is Math Mammoth similar to Singapore Math?
Yes. Both are mastery-based and focus on understanding, with visual models and mental math. Math Mammoth is written to the student and cheaper; Singapore is more colorful and parent-led.
Which is more independent, Singapore or Math Mammoth?
Math Mammoth. Its lessons are written for the student to read, while Singapore expects a parent to teach with the teacher’s guide.
Is Math Mammoth cheaper than Singapore Math?
Usually, yes, especially as PDF downloads that can be printed for every child in the family.
Still weighing options?
See all 13 programs side by side, with quick picks and a finder.
