• Key Stage 2 • Year 6 Arithmetic
These 30 Year 6 arithmetic questions with answers match the types of calculation in the KS2 SATs arithmetic paper. Use them as a practice set, a starter or a quick check before pupils try a full past paper.
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The Quick Answer
- The KS2 arithmetic paper is Maths Paper 1. It lasts 30 minutes and is worth 40 marks.
- It tests calculation only: there are no word problems and calculators are not allowed.
- Long multiplication and long division questions are worth 2 marks, with 1 mark available for a correct method with one arithmetic error.
- The 30 questions below cover each type of calculation, with answers hidden underneath.
About the Arithmetic Paper
Paper 1 is the first of the three maths papers in the KS2 SATs. In 2027 pupils sit it on Wednesday 12 May, the third day of SATs week 2027. It has calculations without a context, from quick mental questions to written methods, fractions and percentages. Pupils need to be fluent in the four operations, including the formal written methods of long division and long multiplication.
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
- 4,582 + 3,679
- 9,005 − 2,768
- 1,000 − 375
- 7 × 8 × 5
- 63 ÷ 9
- 456 × 100
- 3.7 ÷ 10
- 25 × 34
- 12²
- 5³
- 36 + 4 × 6
- (36 + 4) × 6
Show the answers
- 8,261
- 6,237
- 625
- 280
- 7
- 45,600
- 0.37
- 850
- 144
- 125
- 60 (multiply before adding)
- 240 (brackets first)
Written Methods
For step-by-step help with these methods, see our guides to column addition and subtraction, long multiplication, short division and long division.
- 2,154 × 6
- 432 × 23
- 1,253 × 47
- 7,416 ÷ 8
- 864 ÷ 24
- 3,192 ÷ 42
Show the answers
- 12,924
- 9,936
- 58,891
- 927
- 36
- 76
Fractions
- 3/5 + 1/10
- 5/6 − 1/4
- 2 1/3 + 1 1/2
- 3/4 × 8
- 2/3 × 3/5
- 1/4 ÷ 2
Show the answers
- 7/10
- 7/12
- 3 5/6
- 6
- 2/5 (6/15 is also correct)
- 1/8
Decimals and Percentages
- 4.56 + 3.7
- 12 − 4.35
- 0.6 × 7
- 10% of 450
- 35% of 200
- 75% of 64
Show the answers
- 8.26
- 7.65
- 4.2
- 45
- 70
- 48
Tip: line up the decimal points in column addition and subtraction. For 12 − 4.35, write 12 as 12.00 first.
Tips for the Arithmetic Paper
- Know the times tables. Quick recall of multiplication facts makes every other question faster.
- Show the working for long multiplication and long division. It is the only way to get 1 mark when the final answer is wrong.
- Check with the inverse. For example, check 864 ÷ 24 = 36 by working out 36 × 24.
- Fractions do not always need simplifying. The 2025 mark schemes accept equivalent fractions or the exact decimal for fraction questions.
- Leave time to check. Go back to any skipped questions at the end.
More Arithmetic Practice
Use the official arithmetic papers and mark schemes from 2016 to 2026 on our Year 6 SATs papers page. For a step-by-step guide to one of the hardest question types, see long division for KS2. You can also revise square and cube numbers and follow our Year 6 SATs revision guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Year 6 arithmetic paper?
30 minutes, with 40 marks available.
Can you use a calculator in KS2 SATs?
No. Calculators are not allowed in any of the KS2 maths papers.
What topics are in the KS2 arithmetic paper?
The four operations, including long multiplication and long division, order of operations, squares and cubes, fractions, decimals and percentages.
How many marks are long division questions worth?
2 marks. Pupils can get 1 mark for a correct formal method with no more than one arithmetic error.
Related Guides
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Sources: Standards and Testing Agency, KS2 mathematics test mark schemes and KS2 test administration guidance; Department for Education, National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study. Practice questions written by Monster Learning.
