Order of Operations Worksheets for 6th Grade
Apply the order of operations including exponents.
About Order of Operations
Expressions and Equations introduces students to the language of algebra. Students learn to write and evaluate algebraic expressions, apply the order of operations, solve one-step equations, write and solve inequalities, and analyze relationships between variables. These skills form the foundation for all of high school algebra.
Order of operations is the grammar of mathematics — without it, the same expression could produce different results. Fluency with PEMDAS ensures mathematical communication is unambiguous and consistent.
What Your Child Will Learn
- Apply PEMDAS to evaluate multi-operation expressions
- Evaluate expressions containing exponents
- Avoid common order-of-operations errors with nested parentheses
- Insert parentheses to change the value of a given expression
- Evaluate expressions with multiple pairs of grouping symbols step by step
Worksheets by Difficulty
Start with Easy worksheets to build confidence, then progress to Medium and Hard as your student masters each level.
Understanding the Difficulty Levels
Worksheets 1-3 are Easy level — designed to build confidence with simpler numbers and straightforward problem types. Great for introducing the concept or reviewing basics.
Worksheets 4-7 are Medium level — offering a moderate challenge with larger numbers, varied question types, and more problems per worksheet.
Worksheets 8-10 are Hard level — featuring the most challenging problems including multi-step questions, missing values, and real-world applications.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Help your student see variables as placeholders: "x just means 'some number we don't know yet.'"
Practice order of operations with real examples — incorrect PEMDAS is one of the most common algebraic errors.
When solving equations, encourage your student to write out every step rather than doing it mentally — this habit prevents errors.
For inequalities, ask "would any number greater than 5 work?" to build intuition for solution sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my child learn from order of operations worksheets?
These 6th Grade order of operations worksheets help students practice expressions, order of operations. Each worksheet provides structured practice with clear instructions and varied problem types.
How often should my 6th Grade student practice order of operations?
Consistent practice works best. We recommend 10-15 minutes of focused practice 3-4 times per week. Start with Easy worksheets and progress to Medium and Hard as your student builds confidence.
Are these order of operations worksheets free to print?
Yes, all 6th Grade order of operations worksheets on K12Worksheets are completely free. You can download and print as many as you need for home or classroom use — no signup required. Each worksheet includes a printable answer key on a separate page.
How do I know which order of operations worksheet to start with?
Begin with the Easy worksheets (Worksheets 1–3) to assess your student's current skill level. If they complete these confidently, move to Medium (Worksheets 4–7). Reserve Hard worksheets (Worksheets 8–10) for students who have mastered the basics. If your student struggles with Easy worksheets, revisit prerequisite topics first.