KS2 SATs Maths Papers

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 1:

• The test lasts 30 minutes.

• Children are asked a total of 36 questions.

• The test is out of a total of 40 marks - 32 questions are worth 1 mark and 4 questions are worth 2 marks.

• Each arithmetic question expects children to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication or division with whole numbers, fractions, decimals or percentages.

• Questions involving long multiplication or long division are worth 2 marks and children are expected to show their working.

• There are no illustrations, charts or sentences describing the questions.

• The 2025 KS2 Maths Paper 1 test is scheduled to take place in school on Wednesday 14th May 2025.

What does the KS2 Maths Paper 1 look like?

Key stage 2 Maths paper 1 looks like a typical exam booklet and is 20 pages long.

Paper 1 always contains 36 questions, 32 being worth 1 mark and 4 worth two marks.

Each question offers pupils a grid area for them to perform a written calculation and a blank area in which for students to write their answer.

Questions worth 2 marks have a slightly larger grid area with a prompt to remind pupils to 'Show your method'.

How can I prepare my child for the Arithmetic Paper?

Paper 1 is a true test of children's mathematical arithmetic skills. Children need to be able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication or division with whole numbers, fractions, decimals or percentages.

The best way to improve these skills is to practice with plenty of practice questions.

Rather than require students sit endless practice papers, targeted practice questions will help improve children's methods, boosting their confidence over time.

Once they're confident in their arithmetic, use past SATs papers.

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what the papers look and feel like. They will also gain valuable experience in the timings required to finish the paper and the mathematical working they're expected to record.

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 2:

• The test lasts 40 minutes.

• Pupils are asked between 20 and 25 questions.

• The test is out of a total of 35 marks.

• Approximately 12-15 questions are worth 1 mark and 8-12 questions are worth 2 marks or more.

• Each question will involve a degree of mathematical reasoning and may also contain illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

• Mathematical topics included within Paper 2 include all those covered throughout key stage 2 including algebra, roman numerals, ratios and more.

• The questions will typically get harder and/or longer as children progress through the paper.

• The 2025 KS2 Maths Paper 2 test is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 14th May 2025.

What does KS2 Maths Paper 2 look like?

The KS2 SATs Maths test looks like a typical exam booklet and is 24 pages long.

Paper 2 contains approximately 20-25 questions, 12-15 being worth 1 mark and 8-12 worth two marks or more.

Each question may contain one or more illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

How can I prepare for the KS2 Maths Paper 2? Free SATs Papers!

The best way to prepare children for this paper is with plenty of homework from past Maths SATs papers!

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what the papers look and feel like.

Each past SATs paper they work through will earn them valuable experience in the timings required to complete the SATs paper and the mathematical working they're expected to show.

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 3:

• The test lasts 40 minutes.

• The test is out of a total of 35 marks.

• Pupils are asked between 20 and 25 questions.

• Approximately 6-8 questions are worth 1 mark and 12-14 questions are worth 2 marks or more. I.e. there are more long-form, 2-mark questions than paper 2.

• Paper 3 will include numerous questions related to illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

• As with paper 2, the questions will typically get harder and/or longer as children progress through the paper.

• The 2025 KS2 Maths Paper 3 test is scheduled to take place on Thursday 15th May 2025.

What does the KS2 Maths Paper 3 look like?

KS2 Maths paper 3 looks like a typical exam booklet and is 24 pages long.

Paper 3 contains approximately 6-8 questions, 12-15 being worth 1 mark and 12-14 worth two marks or more.

Each question may contain one or more illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

The logic-based questions are particularly challenging, and paper 3 tends to feature several word problems for children to solve.

How can I prepare for the KS2 Maths Paper 3? Free SATs Papers!

As with paper 2, The best way to prepare children for paper 3 is by using plenty of Maths SATs papers.

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what type of questions arise. They will also gain valuable experience in the timings required to finish the SATs paper and practise the mathematical working they're expected to show.

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.