FREE 3rd Grade MCAS Math Practice Test

FREE 3rd Grade MCAS Math Practice Test

TL;DR: Massachusetts kids see the Next-Gen MCAS in spring, and your 3rd grader can use a calm rehearsal first. This free practice test mirrors the same grade 3 math content the state covers: 20 questions, low pressure, worked answers included. Sit with your child for the review and you’ll both leave the table knowing which topics still deserve another pass before test day arrives.

Key takeaways:

  • Aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for grade 3 math.
  • Covers multiplication, division, fractions, area, perimeter, and basic geometry.
  • MCAS grade 3 math is calculator-free.
  • Next-Gen MCAS is computer-based; paper-pencil available for accommodation.
  • Scored on 4 achievement levels: Not Meeting Expectations through Exceeding Expectations.

For this practice test, we’ve selected 20 real questions from past exams for your students’ MCAS Practice test. Your student will have the chance to try out the most common MCAS Math questions. For every question, there is an in-depth explanation of how to solve the question and how to avoid mistakes next time.

Use our free MCAS Math practice tests and study resources (updated for 2026) to help your students ace the MCAS Math test! Make sure to follow some of the related links at the bottom of this post to get a better idea of what kind of mathematics questions students need to practice.

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1- Which of the following groups of numbers contains only even numbers?

A. \(15, 29, 42\)

B. \(15, 29, 83\)

C. \(15, 30, 42\)

D. \(42, 18, 30\)

2- Noah packs 18 boxes with crayons. Each box holds 40 crayons. How many crayons Noah can pack into these boxes?

A. 480

B. 540

C. 680

D. 720

3- A cafeteria menu had spaghetti with meatballs for $10 and bean soup for $6. How much would it cost to buy three plates of spaghetti with meatballs and two bowls of bean soup? __________

4- Which number correctly completes the number sentence \(25 × 50 =\)?

A. 225

B. 900

C. 1250

D. 2250

5- Michael has 745 marbles. What is this number rounded to the nearest ten? ____________

6- There are 60 minutes in an hour. How many minutes are in 6 hours?

A. 300 minutes

B. 320 minutes

C. 360 minutes

D. 400 minutes

7- Which number correctly completes the number sentence \(55 × 14 =\)?

A. 550

B. 660

C. 770

D. 990

8- Use the picture below to answer the question.

Which fraction shows the shaded part of this square?

A. \(\frac{88}{100}\)

B. \(\frac{88}{10}\)

C. \(\frac{8.8}{100}\)

D. \(\frac{8}{100}\)

9- What number makes this equation true?
\(12 × 8 = ⎕\)

A. 88

B. 96

C. 100

D. 108

10- Kayla has 109 red cards and 88 white cards. How many more red cards than white cards does Kayla have?

A. 17

B. 19

C. 21

D. 27

11- A number sentence is shown below.
\(3 × 7 \space ⎕ \space 6 = 126\)
What symbol goes into the box to make the number sentence true?

A. \(×\)

B. \(÷\)

C. \(+\)

D. \(-\)

12- Liam had 845 marbles. Then, he gave 455 of the cards to his friend Ethan. After that, Liam lost 116 cards.
Which equation can be used to find the number of cards Liam has now?

A. \(845 – 455 + 116 = \)

B. \(845 – 455 – 116 =\)

C. \(845 + 455 + 116 = \)

D. \(845 + 455 – 116 = \)

13- What is the value of “B” in the following equation?
\(33 + B + 8 = 66\)

A. 16

B. 18

C. 22

D. 25

14- Mason is 18 months old now, and he usually eats six meals a day. How many meals does he eat in a week?

A. 36

B. 40

C. 42

D. 48

15- Which of the following list shows only fractions that are equivalent to \(\frac{1}{3}\)?

A. \(\frac{3}{9},\frac{5}{15},\frac{24}{72}\)

B. \(\frac{6}{12},\frac{5}{15},\frac{9}{27}\)

C. \(\frac{3}{9},\frac{4}{15},\frac{6}{18}\)

D. \(\frac{3}{9},\frac{5}{10},\frac{8}{24}\)

16- What mixed number is shown by the shaded rectangles?

A. \(3\frac{1}{2}\)

B. \(4\frac{1}{2}\)

C. 3

D. 4

17- The perimeter of a square is 24 units. Each side of this square is the same length.
What is the length of one side of the square in units?

A. 4

B. 5

C. 6

D. 7

18- There are two different cards on the table.
3 rows have 13 red cards in each row.
There are 24 white cards.
How many cards are there on the table?

A. 59

B. 63

C. 68

D. 70

19- Which of the following comparisons of fractions is true?

A. \(\frac{2}{5}=\frac{4}{10}\)

B. \(\frac{2}{5}> \frac{4}{10}\)

C.\(\frac{2}{5}< \frac{4}{10}\)

D. \(\frac{2}{5}< \frac{2}{10}\)

20- What is the value of \(A\) in the equation \(64 ÷ A = 8\)

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

D. 8

Best 3rd Grade Math Prep Resource for 2026

Answers:

1- D
Even numbers always end with a digit of \(0, 2, 4, 6\) or \(8\).
So numbers \(30, 42, 18\) are just even numbers.

2- D
\(18 × 40 = 720\)

3- 42
3spaghetti with meatballs cost: \(3 × $10 = $30\)
2bowls of bean soup cost: \(2 × $6 = $12\)
3spaghetti with meatballs \(+\) 2bowls of bean soup cost: \($30 + $ 12 = $42\)

4- C
\(25 × 50 = 1250\)

5- 750
We round the number up to the nearest ten if the last digit in the number is 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
We round the number down to the nearest ten if the last digit in the number is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
If the last digit is 0, then we do not have to do any rounding, because it is already to the ten.
Therefore, the rounded number of 745 to the nearest ten is 750.

6- C
\(1\) hour \(= 60\) minutes
\(6\) hours\( = 6 × 60\) minutes\(⇒ 6\) hours\( = 360\) minutes

7- C
\(55 × 14 = 770\)

8- A
The model for the fraction is divided into 100 equal parts. We shade 88 parts of these 100 parts that it’s equal to \(\frac{88}{100}\)

9- B
\(12 × 8 = 96\)

10- C
Subtract 109 red cards and 88 white cards. The answer is 21

11- A
\(3 × 7 \space ⎕ \space 6 = 126\)
\(21\space ⎕\space 6= 126 ⇒ 126=21×6\)

12- B
Liam gave 455 of his marbles to his friend which means his marbles decreased then he lost 116 of his marbles which means his marbles decreased again.

13- D
\(33 + B + 8 = 66 ⇒ 41+B =66 ⇒ B =66 – 41 =25\)

14- C
If he eats 6 meals in 1 day
So in a week (7 days) he eats \((7 × 6 = 42)\) meals.

15- A
All these fractions; \(\frac{3}{9},\frac{5}{15},\frac{24}{72}\) after simplification are equivalent to \(\frac{1}{3}\).

16- A
This shape shows 3 completely shaded triangles and half of a triangle that is equal to \(3\frac{1}{2}\)

17- C
Perimeter of square formula \(= 4 ×\) side \(⇒ 24 = 4 ×\) side \(⇒\) side \(= 6\)

18- B
3 rows that have 13 red cards in each row means: \(3 × 13 = 39\) red cards.
And there are 24 white cards on the table too, so in total there are \(39 + 24 = 63\) cards on the table

19- A
Simplify \(\frac{4}{10}\) that’s equal to \(\frac{2}{5}\)

20- D
\(64 ÷ 8 = 8\)

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Recommended EffortlessMath Books

For a workbook your child can use alongside this practice test, the 3rd Grade MCAS Math for Beginners walks through every grade-3 Massachusetts standard with worked examples. For full MCAS prep with multiple practice tests, see the 3rd Grade MCAS Math Test Prep Bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCAS?

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is Massachusetts’ annual state assessment, given in math, ELA, and science in grades 3-10. The Next-Generation MCAS launched in 2017 with computer-based testing. The grade 3 math MCAS is built on the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework, which aligns with Common Core.

What’s on the grade 3 MCAS math?

Five Common Core domains: Operations and Algebraic Thinking (multiplication, division, word problems), Number and Operations in Base Ten (place value, rounding), Number and Operations – Fractions (unit fractions, equivalence), Measurement and Data (time, mass, area, perimeter, bar graphs), and Geometry (classifying shapes, partitioning into equal parts).

Is a calculator allowed on the grade 3 MCAS math?

No. Massachusetts does not permit calculators on grade 3 math. Students are expected to perform multiplication and division within 100 and operations with whole numbers and fractions by hand. Calculator use begins at grade 6 in Massachusetts’ testing policy.

How long is the grade 3 MCAS math?

About 75 to 90 minutes total, typically split into two sessions across two days. Each session is roughly 45 minutes. Students with IEPs or 504 plans may receive extended time.

When is the MCAS given?

The grade 3 MCAS math is administered in late April through early June, over two days within the state-set testing window. Exact dates vary by district. Your child’s teacher will share the schedule a few weeks ahead.

How is the MCAS scored?

Massachusetts uses 4 achievement levels: Not Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, Meeting Expectations, and Exceeding Expectations. The state goal is Meeting Expectations or higher. Score reports are sent home in late summer.

What’s the hardest grade 3 MCAS math topic?

For most grade 3 students, fractions on a number line, multi-step word problems with multiplication and division, and area of composite shapes are the three biggest challenges. Multiplication fact fluency also has to be automatic — slow recall slows the entire test.

How long should we study for the grade 3 MCAS math?

For most grade 3 students, 4 to 6 weeks of consistent practice at 10 to 20 minutes per day is enough. Keep sessions short — third-graders fade fast. Take this diagnostic first, drill the weakest topic, then mix topics in the final two weeks.

Does the MCAS include open-ended math questions?

Yes. Next-Gen MCAS grade 3 math includes a few open-response items asking students to show work and explain reasoning. These are scored using a rubric and can earn partial credit. Most items are multiple-choice or technology-enhanced.

Where can I find more grade 3 MCAS math practice?

EffortlessMath has the 3rd Grade MCAS Math for Beginners workbook covering every grade-3 Massachusetts standard and the 3rd Grade MCAS Math Test Prep Bundle with multiple full-length practice tests.

Related EffortlessMath Lessons

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