How to Start Learning Math on Mathplanet

Updated

Mathplanet is a free high school math platform run by Mattecentrum, a non-profit organization. To start learning, go to mathplanet.com, pick the course that matches your current level, and click "Start course" on that course's page. The site offers five main tracks: Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and SAT/ACT prep. All of them are described as completely free, so you can begin without a payment step.

Pick your course by level

The right entry point depends on what you already know, not on your grade level. Use this table to decide:

Course What it covers Start here if…
Pre-Algebra Building your foundation You need to shore up arithmetic, fractions, or basic number sense before algebra
Algebra 1 Equations and functions You're ready for variables, solving equations, and function basics
Algebra 2 Advanced algebra topics You've finished Algebra 1 and want to go further
Geometry Shapes, proofs, and space You want geometry, including proofs and spatial reasoning
SAT prep Practice tests and tips You're preparing for the SAT
ACT prep Practice tests and tips You're preparing for the ACT

If you're unsure, Pre-Algebra is the safe starting point — it's described as the foundation course, and moving up from there is straightforward.

Steps to begin

  1. Open mathplanet.com. The homepage lists all courses with a short description under each one.
  2. Choose a course from the list above based on your level.
  3. Click Start course on that course's page. This takes you into the material.
  4. For test prep, go to the SAT prep or ACT prep page instead and click Start practicing — these are framed around practice tests and tips rather than a full course sequence.

The expected result is that you land directly in the course content, with no signup wall described on the site.

Other tools on the same site

Beyond the main courses, the homepage links to a few extras:

  • Math Playground — for lighter practice
  • Programming in Python — a separate topic if you want to combine math with coding
  • Practice tests — additional test-style questions

Mattecentrum also runs related sites in other languages: Matteboken (Arabic) and Webmatematik (Danish). If English isn't your first language, these may be worth checking.

Common sticking points

  • Choosing too high a level. Algebra 2 assumes Algebra 1 material. If equations and functions feel shaky, start at Algebra 1 rather than jumping ahead.
  • Confusing courses with test prep. SAT and ACT prep are practice-and-tips tracks, not full course sequences. If you want to learn the underlying math, take the relevant course first.
  • Looking for a signup flow. The site presents itself as free and accessible, with courses starting directly from the course pages — don't wait for an account-creation step that the site doesn't describe.

The site reports that over 300,000 people learned math there for free in a year, and it's run as a non-profit with an optional donation prompt — donating is not required to use the courses.