What ages is MathShark best for?

It fits roughly ages 6 to 11. Younger kids start on the easiest addition and subtraction levels; older ones use multiplication, division, fractions and percentages.

Does it replace flash cards?

For basic fact drilling, yes. It adds timing, instant feedback and seven skill areas, but it does not teach concepts the way a parent or teacher would.

Can you turn off the sound?

There is no full mute. The volume is limited, but the beeps remain, which is the most common complaint from parents and teachers.

Does it remember scores?

No. Each session starts fresh, so there is no history of accuracy or speed over time.

How does it compare with tablet math apps?

Apps offer graphics, adaptive difficulty and progress reports. MathShark wins on being screen-free, durable and free of distractions, and it works as a calculator.

What comes in the box?

The handheld MathShark unit. It runs on batteries, which are not always included, so check before buying.

Where can I buy the Educational Insights MathShark Electronic Math Game?

13 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Barnes & Noble, Rainbow Resource Center, Educational Insights, Kohl's.

Educational Insights MathShark Electronic Math Game

Q: Where is the Educational Insights MathShark Electronic Math Game cheapest?

At eBay, for $19.94, 45% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$19.94at eBayChecked Nov 8

45% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission.

Visit eBay

What reviewers say

Owners and educators describe MathShark as a sturdy, genuinely useful drill tool that kids will pick up on their own. Many credit the timed levels with faster recall of math facts. The common complaints are the beeping, the dated display and the lack of any record of progress.

What people mention

SoundCriticisedReviewers say the beeps and tones are loud and get irritating on long car rides.
DurabilityPraisedOwners report it surviving drops and years of classroom handling.
Difficulty levelsPraisedThe eight levels per operation let it stay useful as a child advances.
DisplayMixedThe large LCD is readable head-on but washes out at an angle and looks dated.
Progress trackingCriticisedParents want a way to see which facts a child misses; scores reset each session.
Independent usePraisedKids pick it up and practice on their own, which parents value.

About the Educational Insights MathShark Electronic Math Game

MathShark is a handheld electronic math game from Educational Insights. It lets kids practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Each basic operation has 8 difficulty levels.

A timed function helps build computational speed. The large LCD screen shows problems either horizontally or vertically. The device is compact and portable, so kids can practice at home, in the classroom, or on the go.

MathShark also converts to a full-function calculator. It is made for independent learning and is aimed at kids ages 6 to 8.

Brand

Educational Insights

Skills

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages

Difficulty

8 levels for each basic operation

Display

Large LCD screen, horizontal or vertical problems

Timer

Timed function for building speed

Extra mode