We often view mathematics as a static set of rules—a subject confined to dusty textbooks and rigid classroom lectures. But in reality, math is a living, breathing language that describes the universe around us. It is dynamic, evolving, and deeply creative. For decades, access to high-level mathematical thought was gated behind university tuition and expensive academic journals. The internet has changed that.
The digital shift has democratized access to the minds of Fields Medalists, innovative educators, and data scientists. Whether you are a PhD candidate wrestling with complex proofs or a high school teacher looking for a fresh way to explain calculus, the online world is teeming with resources. This is where math blogs come into play.
These digital journals serve as a gateway to pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In this post, we have curated a list of exceptional math blogs designed to inspire, educate, and challenge you.
Why You Should Curate a Reading List of Math Blogs
Learning shouldn’t stop when you graduate or leave the classroom. For STEM professionals, students, and educators, continuous engagement is vital. Math blogs offer a unique avenue to stay current with technological advancements, new theories, and pedagogical shifts.
Unlike a textbook, math blogs are often interactive. The comment sections transform solitary study into a collaborative experience, fostering a sense of community that spans the globe. You aren’t just reading; you are joining a conversation.
Furthermore, the best math blogs provide diverse perspectives. You might find a pure theorist discussing the beauty of prime numbers on one site, while another blog breaks down the data science behind a viral marketing campaign. By curating a reading list of math blogs, you expose yourself to a wider world of mathematical thought.
Category 1: The Academic Heavyweights (Research & Theory)
If you are a researcher or graduate student looking for rigor and depth, these math blogs are essential reading. They offer a window into the minds of some of the world’s leading mathematicians.
Terry Tao’s Blog
Terence Tao is a Fields Medalist and one of the most prolific mathematicians of our time. His blog is a treasure trove for anyone serious about mathematics. While many posts are highly technical and aimed at professional researchers, Tao also shares “non-technical” updates that offer incredible insight into the life and workflow of a genius. Following math blogs like this one allows you to see how top-tier problems are approached and solved in real-time.
Gowers’s Weblog
Maintained by Timothy Gowers, a professor at Cambridge and another Fields Medalist, this blog focuses heavily on combinatorics and functional analysis. Gowers uses his platform to bridge the gap between obscure academic discourse and accessible discussion. It serves as a prime example of how math blogs can democratize high-level education, offering lecture notes and open problems to anyone with an internet connection.
Stephen Wolfram’s Writings
Stephen Wolfram is a titan in the world of computational thinking. His writings explore the fascinating intersection of computer science, physics, and mathematics. If you are interested in how computational language is shaping our understanding of reality, this is one of the most important math blogs you can follow. His posts are often long-form essays that dive deep into the history and future of science.
Annoying Precision
Written by Qiaochu Yuan, a mathematician at UC Berkeley, Annoying Precision offers the perspective of a researcher deep in the trenches of pure mathematics. The tone is distinct—sometimes philosophical, always rigorous. It captures the specific frustrations and joys of graduate-level work, making it one of the most relatable math blogs for PhD students dealing with algebraic topology or category theory.
Peter Cameron’s Blog
For those who see math in everything, Peter Cameron’s blog is a delightful exploration. As a professor in London, he mingles mathematics with poetry, media, education, and current events. This is one of the most eclectic math blogs, offering everything from complex problems and learning exercises to commentary on how math is portrayed in the media.
bit-player
Brian Hayes shares his adventures in computation and mathematics in bit-player. His goal is to inspire others by sharing an amateur’s outlook on the field. This blog provides a humble yet insightful perspective, making it a refreshing read among technical math blogs. It reminds us that curiosity is the true engine of discovery.
Category 2: The Art of Teaching (Pedagogy & Education)
Mathematics education is an art form. These math blogs are dedicated to the teachers who strive to make math accessible, engaging, and meaningful for their students.
Resourceaholic
Joanne Morgan has created something truly special with Resourceaholic. For secondary teachers, finding quality materials can be a nightmare. Morgan curates and organizes resources, saving teachers hundreds of hours. Among education-focused math blogs, this stands out for its practicality. It isn’t just theory; it’s about what works in the classroom tomorrow morning.
Marilyn Burns’ Math Blog
Marilyn Burns is a legend in math education. Her blog offers deep dives into student reasoning and the “why” behind the answers. She focuses heavily on how children think, helping teachers move beyond rote memorization. Reading math blogs like hers helps educators diagnose misconceptions and build a stronger conceptual foundation for their students.
Maths Ed Ideas & I Speak Math
Collaboration is key to teaching, and both Maths Ed Ideas and I Speak Math serve as vibrant hubs for exchange. These math blogs highlight innovative strategies to revitalize the classroom. From gamification to inquiry-based learning, the authors share their wins and failures honestly. They remind us that the best math blogs are often those that build community among professionals.
MathFour
MathFour takes a slightly different approach by focusing on the emotional side of learning math. It encourages imaginative approaches to teaching and aims to break down the anxiety that often surrounds the subject. If you are looking for math blogs that prioritize student confidence alongside competence, this is a great addition to your RSS feed.
M+a+t+h = love
Oklahoma teacher Sarah Carter shares a wide variety of printables, classroom activities, and organizational ideas on her blog. For educators looking for hands-on, practical content they can immediately implement, this is one of the most useful math blogs available. Her passion for teaching shines through in every post.
Mathemusings
Jennifer Dao, a middle school algebra instructor, uses Mathemusings to share her experiences and concerns about keeping students engaged. She explores how different representations and thoughtful questions can motivate students. This blog is a great resource for teachers looking for real-world strategies from a fellow educator in the trenches.
Category 3: Visuals, Geometry, and “Recreational” Math
Who says math can’t be beautiful or funny? This category is for those who appreciate the aesthetic and recreational side of the subject. These math blogs prove that math is art.
Math with Bad Drawings
Ben Orlin’s blog is a masterpiece of communication. He uses simple, arguably “bad” stick-figure drawings to explain sophisticated, complex concepts. It is a perfect example of making math accessible without “dumbing it down.” Among all the math blogs listed here, this one is perhaps the most likely to make you laugh out loud while learning about probability or calculus.
Geometry Daily
Can math be art? Geometry Daily proves it can. Tilman, the creator, posts minimalist geometric compositions that are visually stunning. There are no long proofs here—just the pure, aesthetic beauty of shapes and lines. It stands out among math blogs as a source of visual inspiration rather than textual education.
The Aperiodical
Think of The Aperiodical as a gathering spot for general math news, puzzles, and humor. It is a variety show of mathematical content. From recreational puzzles to commentary on how math is portrayed in the media, it covers it all. If you want math blogs that feel like a coffee shop conversation with clever friends, this is the one for you.
Finding Gemstones
This blog, created by Marie Gillespie, likens the process of doing mathematics to a quest for beautiful gemstones. She records and shares elegant mathematical ideas she has discovered or invented. It’s a wonderful reminder that math is not just about finding answers, but about uncovering truths with particular aesthetic value, making it one of the most philosophically beautiful math blogs.
Category 4: Applied Math, Data, and Computing
Theory is beautiful, but application changes the world. These math blogs connect mathematical concepts to real-world issues like big data, climate change, and ethics.
Mathbabe
Cathy O’Neil’s blog is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethical implications of mathematics. Famous for her book Weapons of Math Destruction, O’Neil uses her blog to dissect algorithms, data science, and how models can reinforce inequality. Few math blogs tackle the dark side of big data with such clarity and ferocity.
Victor Angelo Blancada’s Blog
In the business world, math often translates to analytics. Victor Angelo Blancada’s blog highlights the connection between mathematics and big data analytics. It serves as a bridge for professionals who want to apply mathematical rigor to business problems. Math blogs like this are essential for those looking to pivot into data science careers.
Azimuth
John Baez’s blog, Azimuth, focuses on how scientists and mathematicians can help save a planet in crisis. The content ranges from network theory to climate physics. It is a call to action, demonstrating that math blogs can be platforms for social and environmental change, not just academic discussion.
Category 5: Student Resources & Study Aids
For undergraduates and high schoolers, math can sometimes feel like a survival horror game. These math blogs provide the cheats, tips, and emotional support needed to thrive.
MathSux
Let’s be honest: a lot of students hate math. MathSux acknowledges that frustration immediately. Laura, the creator, validates those feelings while providing clear, accessible help. By admitting that math can be tough, she disarms the anxiety, making this one of the most student-friendly math blogs available.
Tanya Khovanova’s Math Blog
Tanya Khovanova offers a blend of puzzles, math competitions, and life experiences. Her blog challenges students to think differently and approach problems from new angles. It is particularly good for students interested in competitive math. Math blogs that challenge you to think outside the standard curriculum are vital for developing true problem-solving skills.
Division by Zero
Professor Dave Richeson shares his boundless enthusiasm for mathematics on this blog. It’s an exuberant look into neat projects and ideas. As an editor for Math Horizons, he has a knack for making math exciting and accessible, making this one of the most engaging math blogs for anyone looking to be inspired.
SquareCirclez – the IntMath Blog
The goal of IntMath is to get people excited about the beauty and utility of mathematics. This blog achieves that by connecting concepts to the “real world” and offering interactive applets for exploration. It’s a fantastic resource for learners who need to see how math works in practice. Many math blogs talk about application, but IntMath lets you experience it.
Eddi’s Math and Calculator Blog
For those who love gadgets as much as they love numbers, Eddi’s blog is a perfect fit. It is entirely devoted to mathematical concepts and calculators. If you are passionate about the tools of the trade, this is one of the most unique math blogs you’ll find, bridging the gap between theory and the hardware we use to solve problems.
How to Choose the Right Math Blog for You
With so many options, building your reading list can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide to selecting the right math blogs for your needs.
First, assess your level. Be honest about your current understanding. Are you looking to transform your learning experience with accessible content, or do you want to grapple with complex proofs? If you are a novice, starting with Terry Tao might be discouraging. Instead, look for math blogs like Math with Bad Drawings or MathSux.
Second, identify your goal.
- If you are into research, stick to Tao, Gowers, or Peter Cameron.
- If you are in teaching, bookmark Resourceaholic or Maths Ed Ideas.
- For leisure, enjoy The Aperiodical or Finding Gemstones.
Finally, consider frequency and format. Check how often the math blogs are updated. Some, like Geometry Daily, might offer frequent visual bites, while others publish long-form essays monthly.
Conclusion
Mathematics is not a solitary pursuit. By following these mathematics blogs, you are joining a global conversation that spans centuries of thought and modern innovation. Whether you are debugging code, writing a thesis, or teaching algebra, there is a community out there ready to help you explore new frontiers.
We have explored a wide range of inspiring sites here. Now, the ball is in your court. Which of these math blogs sparked your curiosity the most? We encourage you to visit at least one new site today, leave a comment, or share this list with a colleague. Dive into the world of math blogs and feed your mind.
