Pythagoras
The Hellenic Mathematical Society's math skills competition for students in grades 2-9 (elementary and gymnasium). Features 20 multiple-choice questions testing mathematical reasoning, not rote knowledge. Held annually on a single Saturday in March.
Grade Levels
Grades 2-9 (Ages 7-15)
Format
Multiple Choice
Scoring
20 multiple-choice questions with 5 options each. Each correct answer scores 5 points (maximum 100). No negative scoring for wrong or unanswered questions.
Participants
50,000+
Established
2019
January
Registration opens through exam centers and schools
March
Registration deadline (early March)
March
Competition day (single Saturday in March)
Registration
Students subscribe to the EME ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ magazine through their school or nearest exam center
Prizes & Recognition
Participatory, not competitive. Approximately 20% of students per grade per exam center receive distinctions. EME and local branches hold award ceremonies. Distinguished students' names are published on the competition website (with parental consent).
| Level | Grade Levels | questions | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 (Β΄ Δημοτικού) | 2 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
| Grades 3-4 (Γ΄-Δ΄ Δημοτικού) | 3-4 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
| Grades 5-6 (Ε΄-ΣΤ΄ Δημοτικού) | 5-6 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
| Grade 7 (Α΄ Γυμνασίου) | 7 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
| Grade 8 (Β΄ Γυμνασίου) | 8 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
| Grade 9 (Γ΄ Γυμνασίου) | 9 | 20 | 75 minutes | Multiple Choice |
About This Competition
The Pythagoras Mathematical Skills Competition (Διαγωνισμός Μαθηματικών Ικανοτήτων «ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ») is the Hellenic Mathematical Society's (EME) competition for students from grade 2 through grade 9 (Β΄ Δημοτικού to Γ΄ Γυμνασίου). First held in 2019, it is now in its 8th edition.
Unlike traditional math competitions that test school performance, Pythagoras focuses on mathematical thinking ability. Each student answers 20 multiple-choice questions (5 options each) in 75 minutes. Correct answers earn 5 points each (maximum 100), with no negative scoring. Students may consult a theory reference booklet provided by EME during the exam.
The competition covers 6 exam groups: Β΄ Δημοτικού, Γ΄-Δ΄ Δημοτικού, Ε΄-ΣΤ΄ Δημοτικού, Α΄ Γυμνασίου, Β΄ Γυμνασίου, and Γ΄ Γυμνασίου. With 50,000+ participants, it is one of the largest math events in Greece. Schools and institutions serve as exam centers, and the competition can be conducted on paper or electronically. Following international pedagogical standards, Pythagoras operates as participatory rather than competitive — about 20% of students per grade at each center receive distinctions.
How to Prepare
Practice with Past Papers
Work through previous Pythagoras papers available from EME. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind each answer, not just finding the correct one.
Use the Theory Booklet Wisely
You are allowed to consult EME's theory reference booklet during the exam. Familiarize yourself with it beforehand so you can find relevant formulas quickly.
Subscribe to ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ Magazine
EME's ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ magazine includes practice problems and mathematical puzzles that mirror the competition's style and difficulty.
It's Participatory, Not Competitive
Pythagoras emphasizes mathematical thinking over ranking. Focus on enjoying the problems and learning from each question rather than stressing about your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pythagoras math competition?
Pythagoras (ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ) is the Hellenic Mathematical Society's (EME) math skills competition for students in grades 2-9 (Β΄ Δημοτικού through Γ΄ Γυμνασίου). It primarily tests mathematical thinking ability rather than school performance or rote knowledge.
Who can participate in Pythagoras?
All students in grades 2-9 at public or private schools who subscribe to the EME ΠΥΘΑΓΟΡΑΣ magazine (10 EUR subscription fee). Students register through their school's exam center or a nearby participating center.
What is the format of the competition?
Each student answers 20 multiple-choice questions with 5 options each. Each correct answer earns 5 points for a maximum of 100. There is no negative scoring. Students have 75 minutes. The competition can be conducted on paper or electronically.
What topics are covered?
The competition focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving rather than formulas or calculations. Each grade group has its own exam paper. Study material and required theory are available on the EME website, and students may consult the theory booklet during the exam.
How can my child prepare for Pythagoras?
Download the required theory booklet and practice problems from the EME website (hms.gr) for your child's grade. Focus on mathematical reasoning skills. Past exam papers with answers are also available online. MathSpark offers practice questions aligned with the competition format.
Are there awards?
Pythagoras follows international pedagogical standards and operates as participatory, not competitive. About 20% of students per grade at each exam center receive distinctions. EME and local branches hold special award ceremonies for distinguished students.
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