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
- Grades 7–8
- Format
- Paper or online, written individually at school.
- Cost
- $5 per student, paid by the school order.
- Official site
- cemc.uwaterloo.ca
Key dates
- ConfirmedSchool ordering deadlineThu, April 22, 2027
- ConfirmedContest window opensMon, May 10, 2027
- ConfirmedContest window closesFri, May 21, 2027
What it is
Gauss has 25 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, with separate papers for Grade 7 and Grade 8.
Motivated younger students are welcome to write.
Everyone gets a participation certificate. The top 25% at each school get a Certificate of Distinction.
A good fit if: Grade 7 and 8 students. A great next step after Math Kangaroo.
How to register
- Students can't register themselves. A teacher orders the contest for the school. If your school doesn't take part, you can ask another local school to let your child write with them.
- Schools must order by April 22, 2027.
How to prepare
- Past contests and solutions are free at cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/past-contests.
- CEMC's Problem Set Generator and free online courseware are also good practice.
For grade-by-grade options see Grade 7, Grade 8.
Common questions
Can a Grade 6 student write Gauss?
Yes. The CEMC welcomes motivated younger students. They write the Grade 7 paper through their school.
What comes next
Pascal, Cayley and Fermat Contests
University of Waterloo contests for Grades 9 (Pascal), 10 (Cayley) and 11 (Fermat). Written at school on February 23–24, 2027.
Grades 9–11$6 per studentMathMath Challengers BC
BC's team and individual math competition for Grades 8–10. Schools register by January 15, 2027. Lower Mainland regionals are expected February 20.
Grades 8–10Paid by the school: from $50…Sources
Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.