AMC 8 · Grades 6–8
AMC 8 Prep Guide for Grades 6–8
12 chapters, 120 original practice problems, two full 25-question practice tests in the real A–E format, and every answer explained.
Instant PDF download · 12 Focused Chapters · 120 Practice Problems · two full practice tests
A Complete AMC 8 Study Plan, One Topic at a Time.
The AMC 8 is 25 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes, with no calculator and no penalty for a wrong answer. The first ten are quick, the middle ten take a few steps, and the last five are meant to make the best students in the country think.
This guide teaches one topic per chapter, from divisibility and ratios to the Pythagorean theorem, counting and probability. Every problem carries a tag saying where it would sit on the real paper, from #1–5 up to #21–25, and the guide practices a little above recent papers.
It is written to the student, so it works for independent study. Every answer has a picture, the steps in one bold line, and a Why it works note with a check and the most common wrong answer.
What's inside
Everything your child needs to prepare for AMC 8 Grades 6–8.
12 Focused Chapters
Number theory, fractions and percents, ratios and rates, averages, equations, angles and triangles, areas, circles and solids, counting, probability, and logic.
120 Practice Problems
Original problems tagged with where they would sit on the real paper, climbing from #1–5 to the #21–25 kind in every chapter.
Every Answer Explained
A picture, the steps in one bold line, and a Why it works note with a check and the most common wrong answer.
Two Full Practice Tests
Two 25-question mock contests in the real 40-minute, A–E format, with complete answers.
A Four-Week Study Plan
Two or three problems a day, no calculator, with Test B saved for a timed run a few days before the contest.
Instant PDF Download
Print the whole book or use it on screen as soon as you purchase.
How the AMC 8 works
The AMC 8 is the Mathematical Association of America's contest for students in grade 8 and below. Here is what your student will sit.
Who can take it
Multiple choice, in 40 minutes
Per correct answer; no penalty for guessing
2027 competition week
Students must also be under 15.5 years old on contest day. They take it at a school or another registered host, such as a college, math circle or learning center, not directly through MAA. If your school doesn't offer it, MAA's school search by zip code lists nearby hosts. Calculators, phones and smartwatches are not allowed; pencils, erasers, blank scratch paper and a ruler are.
MAA recognizes strong scores: the Achievement Roll is for students in 6th grade and below who score 15 or more, the Honor Roll is about the top 5% of scores and the Distinguished Honor Roll about the top 1%. For a first-year student, 15 correct is a realistic target.
The topics are middle school math pushed further: counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry including the Pythagorean theorem, spatial visualization, and reading graphs and tables. This guide gives each its own chapter, then two full 25-question practice tests in the real format.
Chapter by chapter
- 1. Digits, Divisibility and Remainders
- 2. Factors, Multiples, Primes and Powers
- 3. Fractions, Percents and Estimation
- 4. Ratios, Rates and Speed
- 5. Averages, Tables and Graphs
- 6. Equations, Ages and Sequences
- 7. Angles, Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- 8. Areas, Perimeters and Shaded Polygons
- 9. Circles, Solids and Coordinates
- 10. Counting: Lists, Arrangements and Casework
- 11. Probability
- 12. Logic, Games and Puzzles
- 13. Practice Test A
- 14. Practice Test B
- 15. Answers
- 16. Contest-Day Tips
The full guide
AMC 8 Prep Guide — Grades 6–8
$20.00
- ✓12 focused chapters
- ✓120 original practice problems
- ✓Two full 25-question practice tests (real A–E format)
- ✓Every answer explained
- ✓A simple four-week study plan
- ✓Instant PDF download
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Frequently asked questions
What grades is it for?
AMC 8 is open to students in grade 8 and below; this guide is written for Grades 6–8.
Can a student use it on their own?
Yes. The guide speaks to the student throughout, and every answer shows the steps, why they work, and a check, so students can study and mark their own work.
How hard is it?
Each chapter climbs from problems like #1–5 on the real paper to the #21–25 kind, and the guide practices a little above recent papers. Leave a starred problem for another day if it stops you.
How should it be used?
Two or three problems a day, in order, with no calculator. Work through the 12 chapters in four weeks, then take Practice Test A; save the timed Practice Test B (40 minutes) for a few days before the contest.
Are the problems original?
Yes — 100% original, in the style and difficulty of AMC 8. We never reproduce actual AMC problems.
How do I get the guide after buying?
You'll get an instant download page after checkout, plus an email with your download link.
Is there a refund policy?
We generally don't offer refunds, but if you're not satisfied, contact us and we'll do our best to make it right.
This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) or the American Mathematics Competitions. “AMC 8” is a trademark of its respective owners.