Best Math Workbooks for Middle School (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A sixth grader who is slipping on fractions, or an eighth grader about to meet algebra, needs a workbook pitched at that grade, which is why the best math workbooks for middle school come down to the grade level on each listing. We compared the picks by listed grade level, reading age, page count, answer key and publication date, and each one says who it suits and who should skip it.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Geometry Grades 6-8 by Kumon	9.6/10	Buy
2	Pre-Algebra Skills by Humble Math	9.6/10	Buy
3	7th Grade Math by IXL	9.6/10	Buy
4	6th Grade Math by IXL	9.6/10	Buy
5	Math Basics 6 by School Zone	9.5/10	Buy

1

Geometry Grades 6-8 by Kumon

Kumon Publishing·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Explains topics and defines terms, then gives practice problems for students the listing says are beginning algebra.

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Pros

• Grade level 6 and up and a reading age of 11 to 13 years, both stated
• Explains topics and defines terms, per the description, before practice problems
• Topics include fractions, exponents, order of operations and algebraic expressions

Cons

• Title says Geometry, but the listed topics are mainly arithmetic and algebra
• Dated August 29, 2018; the listing does not say whether a newer edition exists
• The listing does not state whether an answer key is included

2

Pre-Algebra Skills by Humble Math

Humble Math·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Pre-algebra practice for grades 6 to 8 on ratios, negative numbers, coordinate planes, slope and statistics.

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Pros

• Answer key included, as the listing states
• Lists 100 days of practice pages in a 112-page book
• The description says the skills prepare students for high school courses

Cons

• No reading age stated; the listing gives a suggested age range of 11 to 15
• At 112 pages it is shorter than the 224-page IXL workbooks
• Dated January 25, 2022; the listing does not say whether a newer edition exists

3

7th Grade Math by IXL

IXL Learning·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Seventh grade practice on proportional relationships, probability, equations and geometry, with IXL online practice available.

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Pros

• Covers proportional relationships, probability, inequalities and geometry
• 224 pages with colorful illustrations, per the description
• IXL website and app practice that the description says adds extra questions

Cons

• Reading age of 11 to 12 years is marked as from customers
• Spec table lists Grade 3 skills and ages 8-9, conflicting with the 7th grade title
• The listing does not state whether an answer key is included

4

6th Grade Math by IXL

IXL Learning·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Sixth grade practice on ratios, integers, expressions, equations and geometry, with IXL online practice available.

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Pros

• Covers factors, multiples, integers, ratios and expressions, per the description
• 224 pages printed on 60 lb paper, per the listing
• IXL website or app practice with a tailored growth plan, per the description

Cons

• Spec table lists Grade 3 skills and ages 8-9, conflicting with the 6th grade title
• Reading age of 10 to 12 years is marked as from customers
• The listing does not state whether an answer key is included

5

Math Basics 6 by School Zone

School Zone·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 64-page sixth grade workbook on order of operations, fractions, estimating and powers, with a parent note.

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Pros

• Answer key and parent note included, as the description states
• Covers order of operations, percentages, estimation, powers and exponents
• Perforated pages can be torn out for individual worksheets

Cons

• Spec table lists Ages 3+, which conflicts with the Ages 11-12 in the title
• Dated July 31, 2017; the listing does not say whether a newer edition exists
• At 64 pages it is much shorter than the 224-page IXL workbooks

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More picks to compare

• 8th Grade Math by SpectrumFor 8th graders ages 13-14, with parent support pages in each chapter.Check on Amazon
• 8th Grade Math by IXLFor 8th graders ages 13-14, covering the Pythagorean theorem and linear equations.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for a middle school reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. Every pick gives a grade level or a reading age, and all but one gives both. The Pre-Algebra listing gives its grades only in the title. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best math workbooks for middle school

Start from the grade on the listing

Match the grade in the title to the child’s current grade first. The Kumon and Pre-Algebra books cover grades 6 to 8 in one volume, while the IXL and School Zone titles name a single grade. If a student needs more practice before algebra, the best workbook for algebra list covers that step.

Check the answer key and the edition

Only the Pre-Algebra and Math Basics 6 listings state that an answer key is included. The Kumon listing is dated 2018 and the Pre-Algebra listing 2022, and neither says whether a newer edition exists. For a wider look at grade-level picks, see the best math book for middle school list.

Before you buy

• Check the grade level and reading age on the listing against the child’s current grade.
• Look for the answer key line: the listing states one for the Pre-Algebra and School Zone books only.
• Check the publication date, since the Kumon listing is dated 2018 and the Pre-Algebra listing 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grade should a middle schooler buy?

Match the grade the child is in now. The Kumon and Pre-Algebra books cover grades 6 to 8, and the IXL books are labeled 6th and 7th grade.

Do these workbooks include an answer key?

The Pre-Algebra Skills listing states an answer key is included, and so does the School Zone Math Basics 6 listing. The Kumon and IXL listings do not state one.

Does the edition date matter?

Yes, check it before you buy. The Kumon listing is dated August 29, 2018, and the listing does not say whether a newer edition exists.

Still deciding? Our top pickGeometry Grades 6-8 by Kumon

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Related lists

See every math workbooks list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: math workbook picks, elementary school math and 5th grade math.