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SATs Maths: arithmetic and reasoning papers explained

Three maths papers, 110 marks in all. What each paper asks, the marks needed in 2026, and the habits that make the biggest difference.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 6 min read

Key takeaways

1. The maths papers at a glance

Maths is tested on two days in Year 6 SATs week. In 2027, Papers 1 and 2 are on Wednesday 12 May and Paper 3 is on Thursday 13 May.[1]

The lengths and marks come from the Standards and Testing Agency’s mathematics test framework.[4]

Paper
Time
Marks
Day in 2027
Paper 1: arithmetic
30 minutes
40
Wednesday 12 May
Paper 2: reasoning
40 minutes
35
Wednesday 12 May
Paper 3: reasoning
40 minutes
35
Thursday 13 May
Total
110 minutes
110

2. Paper 1: arithmetic

The arithmetic paper is a page of written calculations: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with whole numbers, decimals and fractions, plus percentages. There are no word problems, so it rewards accurate, well-practised methods.[4]

Some long multiplication and long division questions are worth two marks. Showing the working can earn one mark even if the final answer is wrong, so encourage your child to set out every step.[4]

Speed comes from tables: Thirty minutes for 40 marks is under a minute a mark. Children who know their times tables by heart have more time for the harder questions.

3. Papers 2 and 3: reasoning

The reasoning papers ask children to use maths to solve problems. Questions cover number, measurement, geometry, statistics, ratio and algebra, often set in everyday situations. Some ask children to explain their answer.[4]

The test framework lists the equipment children may use, and a calculator is not on that list. Children work everything out on paper or in their heads.[4]

4. Scores and the 2026 results

The three papers are added together, out of 110, and turned into one scaled score from 80 to 120. A score of 100 or more means your child met the expected standard.[5]

In 2026 a child needed 56 marks out of 110 for a score of 100, and 94 marks for 110. The marks needed change a little each year.[6]

Nationally, 75% of pupils met the expected standard in maths in 2026, up from 74% in 2025.[3]

2026 maths
Figure
Marks needed for a score of 100
56 out of 110
Marks needed for a score of 110
94 out of 110
Pupils who met the expected standard
75%

5. Times tables and the Year 4 check

Children in Year 4 take the multiplication tables check, a separate on-screen test. It has 25 questions on tables up to 12 × 12, with 6 seconds for each, and there is no pass mark.[7]

The tables learned for that check are the same ones that speed up the Year 6 arithmetic paper, so keep them going in Years 5 and 6. Our free times tables check practice tool is an easy daily habit.[7]

6. How to help at home

Five minutes of times tables a day beats one long session a week. Mix the order, and ask the related division facts too: if 7 × 8 is 56, what is 56 ÷ 8?

Use everyday maths: splitting a bill, reading a timetable, working out change, doubling a recipe. Reasoning questions look like these.

Try one past paper section in the real time limit now and then, then go through any mistakes together. GOV.UK publishes past test papers. Our Year 6 SATs guide has the full timetable and how results are reported.[2]

Show every step. Working can still earn a mark.

7. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub teaches one-to-one primary maths, live online across the UK, from £25 an hour, and in schools through our partnerships team. A tutor can find the gaps, from times tables to fractions, and build fluent methods. Every family starts with a free 45-minute assessment.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. How long is the arithmetic paper?

  2. 2. How many marks did a child need in 2026 to meet the expected standard in maths?

  3. 3. Can children use a calculator?

Your next steps

  • Practise times tables for five minutes a day.
  • Try one arithmetic paper in 30 minutes and go through the mistakes.
  • Book a free 45-minute assessment to find the gaps.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK. 2027 key stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements. gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-assessment-and-reporting-arrangements-ara/2027-key-stage-2-assessment-and-reporting-arrangements
  2. GOV.UK. 2027 key stage 2 national curriculum tests: information for parents. gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-national-curriculum-tests-and-results-information-for-parents/2027-key-stage-2-national-curriculum-tests-information-for-parents
  3. Department for Education. Key stage 2 attainment: national headlines, academic year 2025/26 (published 10 September 2026). explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/key-stage-2-attainment-national-headlines/2025-26
  4. Standards and Testing Agency (2016). Key stage 2 mathematics test framework. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a822bbded915d74e62362a2/2016_KS2_Mathematics_framework_PDFA_V5.pdf
  5. GOV.UK. Understanding scaled scores at key stage 2. gov.uk/guidance/understanding-scaled-scores-at-key-stage-2
  6. GOV.UK. 2026 key stage 2 scaled score conversion tables. gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-tests-2026-scaled-scores/2026-key-stage-2-scaled-score-conversion-tables
  7. GOV.UK. Multiplication tables check: information for parents. gov.uk/government/publications/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents-text-version--2

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.