Math · Mathematical Association of America (MAA)

AMC 8 (American Mathematics Competitions)

A 25-question, 40-minute US math contest for Grade 8 and below, open to Canadian students through a host school or centre. Written January 21–27, 2027.

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Grades
Grades 5–8
Format
Written at a registered host school, college, math circle or learning centre, on a day the host picks within the contest week.
Cost
Set by the host school or centre. MAA charges hosts a registration fee.
Official site
maa.org

Key dates

  • ConfirmedContest windowJanuary 21 to 27, 2027 (host picks the day)
  • Not confirmed yetFind a hostOctober to December 2026. Host registration deadlines are set by MAA.

What it is

The AMC 8 is run by the Mathematical Association of America. Students in the United States and Canada can take part.

It has 25 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. Topics include counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, geometry, spatial visualization and reading graphs. Later questions may touch on beginning algebra.

It is for students in Grade 8 and below who are under 15.5 years old on the contest day. Students can write it once a year.

Students who enjoy the AMC 8 may want to continue with the AMC 10 and AMC 12 in later years.

A good fit if: Strong Grade 5–8 problem solvers who want an extra contest beyond Gauss and Math Kangaroo.

How to register

  1. Parents and students can't register directly with the MAA.
  2. Ask your child's school if it will host the AMC 8.
  3. If not, look for a local college, university, math circle or learning centre that hosts. MAA posts a list of last year's host centres as a starting point. The most recent list had no BC centres, so you may need to ask around.
  4. A competition manager at the host registers your child and runs the test.

How to prepare

  • Try a timed set of 25 past AMC 8 questions in 40 minutes to get used to the pace.
  • The Gauss contest and Math Kangaroo are good warm-ups with similar problem styles.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8.

Common questions

Can Canadian students write the AMC 8?

Yes. MAA gives the same instructions for the United States and Canada: write through a registered host school, college, math circle or learning centre.

When is the AMC 8 2027?

January 21 to 27, 2027. The host school or centre picks the exact day within that week.

Can a Grade 4 student take the AMC 8?

Yes. It's for Grade 8 and below, with a maximum age of under 15.5 on the contest day. There is no minimum grade, but the problems are aimed at middle school.

What comes next

Math

AMC 10 and AMC 12 (American Mathematics Competitions)

75-minute US high school math contests, open to Canadian students through a host. Written November 5 (A) or November 13 (B), 2026.

Grades 8–12Set by the host school or centreMath

Gauss Mathematics Contest

Canada's best-known middle school math contest for Grades 7 and 8. Written at school between May 10 and 21, 2027.

Grades 7–8$5 per student

Sources

Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.