How could you improve at mental maths?
I’ve worked with many academics and professionals, especially in technical, numerical or financial careers, who feel held back in their job by their mental mathematics skills.
This is despite their achievements in mathematics in general, despite their professional expertise, and despite the availability of modern calculation tools such as spreadsheets and calculator apps! After all, it’s obtrusive to pull out a smartphone mid-conversation to check a calculation.
Common challenges are losing track in conversations about numbers, finances or deals. Some decisions might be slower because of the friction of handling numbers. Many people simply feel under-confident whenever numbers are involved.
Why This Problem Arises
The problem is that mental math is only given attention in schools until students are around 10 years of age. After that, the mathematics becomes more complex as concepts are introduced in algebra, geometry and statistics. But typically, students are never given another opportunity to get really proficient at handling numbers in their head.
The outcome is therefore that professionals in many fields have great academic credentials, but are nevertheless held back by their calculation and estimation abilities.
Mental Maths Coaching
To help you reach greater levels of numerical fluency, I offer private coaching sessions. These are usually booked independently by individuals, but groups are also possible.
In every session I recommend some targeted training activities—these are optional but strongly recommended in order to obtain the maximum benefit. Access is provided free to the relevant training tools.
For groups—for example in schools and businesses—I also provide workshops about practical mental calculation. This can be online or in person, covering a combination of demonstrations, theoretical and practical topics.
Contact me about Mental Math Training
My Approach to Training
Everyone is different, and will benefit from different combinations of exercises. However, everything rests on the following 3 pillars of mental calculation:
(1) Build a Base of Mathematical Facts
We know that the times tables from 2×2 to 9×9 are fundamental to mental calculation. However, top performers have learned a greater breadth of mathematical facts, which reduces the mental work needed to process numbers.
(2) Use Techniques Designed for the Human Mind
Thinking of the human brain as the hardware, the techniques we learn are the software. Techniques that work well for pen-and-paper calculation, or for a computer program, are often not appropriate for mental calculation, as the constraints on memory are very different. Luckily there are some great techniques that we can use to efficiently solve numerical problems without the need for paper or electronics.
(3) Improve Visual Representation of Numbers
Our working memory has two components—the phonological loop (PL) and the visuospatial sketchpad (VSS). For effective mental calculation, it is essential to be comfortable representing numbers using the VSS. For some people, this comes naturally. For others, specific training drills can be helpful.
What Others Say
Daniel’s ability to analyze my weaknesses and devise methods to address those weakness is impressive. He is a genuine expert in the field of mental mathematics and I have made substantial improvements in a much shorter time frame than I expected.
—Shane, Financial Analyst
Daniel is one of those all-to-rare teachers: he manages to make learning difficult material as fun as it is satisfying. As someone who mostly froze with fear at the prospect of having to do any mental arithmetic, under Daniel’s patient and enthusiastic guidance, I came to view calculating as a great game and started to enjoy playing with numbers. Indeed, he helped stoke an interest beyond arithmetic and is now also helping me learn other areas of mathematics. I’d recommend his coaching to anyone looking to make the most out of their minds.
—Daniel, PhD Candidate
In preparation for some mathematical aptitude tests I asked Daniel to coach me in how I could more accurately and quickly convert currencies without using a calculator. He spent time listening and talking to me to understand exactly how he could help me and what learning style suited me best. He is incredibly patient so I always felt at ease when doing his practice questions “live” with him, and I now find myself using Daniel’s hints, tips and methods in my everyday living, not just in calculating currency conversions. I’d highly recommend Daniel as a tutor, no matter how niche or broad your topic may be.
—Elodie, Account Manager
My Background (updated March 2024)
After studying Mathematics at Cambridge University, in 2012 I became a software engineer, and at the same time started training to compete for the UK at the Mental Calculation World Cup. In 2016 I won my first international medal (for Hectoc at the Memoriad event in Las Vegas) and set the British record for calendar dates calculations.
Since 2018 I’ve been an official trainer at the annual Junior Mental Calculation World Championship. Since 2020, I’ve been organizing the online World Championship in Mental Calculation as part of the Mind Sports Olympiad.
Since 2020, I’ve been coaching over 70 individual clients in mental maths. Much of this relies on techniques that I have developed for practical mental maths, including estimations and spoken calculations. I’ve also delivered occasional workshops and training for groups.
Breadth of Coaching Topics
Most of my coaching is specialized on Mental Math. However, as a Mathematics graduate who has worked in software and as a computer science tutor, I can and do also provide support with the following:
- Mathematics up to first year undergraduate
- Computer Science topics for university preparation
- Python programming