A Parent’s Guide to 6th Grade Common Core Math Standards
The Common Core is a set of academic standards in mathematics and English designed to provide uniform expectations for K-12 students nationwide.
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
March 2025
Key takeaways
- • 6th grade Common Core math standards cover six main topics.
- • To strengthen skills, students should consistently practice math concepts outside school.
- • A school-home partnership is essential, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Much has changed since the introduction of the Common Core over 15 years ago, but at least one thing has remained consistent: parents and caregivers have a right to understand what this state-led initiative means for their child’s education. We know that aspects of the program can be confusing– especially when it comes to 6th grade math.
In this article, we’ll define Common Core and give a brief overview of the initiative’s intentions. We’ll then explain the 6th grade common core math standards and provide additional resources to help your child meet these standards and be well-prepared for the future.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative began in 2010 to establish consistent, challenging expectations in Mathematics and English/Language Arts for all K-12 students, improve academic achievement, and better prepare students for college, trade school, or the workplace. The standards outline what students should know and be able to do in these subjects by the end of each school year.
Although the Common Core has attempted to standardize education nationwide, 6th grade math standards still vary by state and by school. While much of the country adopted the initiative, several states withdrew from the program, others made major changes, and still others opted out from the very beginning. Private, parochial, and other schools that do not receive government funding are not mandated to follow Common Core, but many have adopted the standards anyway.
If you’re ready to understand the 6th grade math common core standards and how they impact your child, let’s get started!
The Common Core 6th grade math standards outline six key areas of instructional focus: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, statistics and probability, and mathematical practices.
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
In 6th grade, students will understand the concept of a ratio and learn ratio “language” to compare two quantities. They’ll use graphs, tables, and equations to demonstrate ratio relationships. Students will also understand the concept of a unit rate and how it relates to ratio, and be able to use multiplication and division to solve standard or real-world problems involving pricing and speed–such as determining how many miles per hour or a price per item.
The Number System
Students use their knowledge of multiplication and division to extend their understanding of fractions. They learn how to divide a fraction by a fraction and to demonstrate their knowledge by using visual models, such as a fraction bar, to represent the problem. Students will also work with multi-digit numbers to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and decimals. Additionally, 6th graders will learn to identify all factor pairs of a number. Finally, students will work extensively with negative numbers and apply absolute value in real-world scenarios– such as temperature change.
Table of contents
Expressions and Equations
In Common Core 6th grade math, students will extend their knowledge of arithmetic to read, write, and solve expressions with variables– letters that represent numbers. They’ll be able to identify parts of an expression with mathematical language (sum, term, factor, product, etc.) and perform arithmetic expressions using the order of operations. Students will learn how to identify equations and inequalities and be able to generate equivalent expressions. Finally, 6th graders will solve real-world problems using tables or graphs to describe how changing one variable affects another.
Geometry
In 6th grade geometry, students will solve standard and real-world problems involving area, surface area, and volume. They’ll learn how to find the area of triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons by breaking them down into familiar shapes, and to calculate surface area by finding the area of each face in a 3D figure. Students will also use formulas to find the volume of rectangular prisms, such as a shoebox. Finally, 6th graders will learn to draw shapes on a grid when given coordinates and determine distances between each point.
Statistics and Probability
6th graders will learn to identify statistical questions, which are questions that expect variability (i.e. different answers). They’ll learn to collect and analyze data to solve these statistical questions, describing the answers in three ways: center, spread, and overall shape. Students will be able to display data sets on graphs and summarize their findings in different ways, such as reporting the number of observations, describing overall patterns and deviations, and choosing the best way to describe the center and variability of the data set.
Mathematical Practices
Throughout the year, 6th grade common core math will strengthen mathematical practices to help students prepare for the future. These important mathematical practices include: making sense of complex problems and persevering until they’re solved, reasoning in abstract and concrete ways, constructing and critiquing mathematical arguments, modeling and using appropriate tools, communicating solutions with precision, and recognizing patterns and connections among numbers.
FAQs about 6th Grade Math Common Core Standards
The 6th grade Common Core math standards outline what students should know in math by the end of the year. However, we encourage parents and caregivers to establish relationships with their child’s teacher and school. They should be able to clarify academic expectations and let you know if your child is on track to meet learning goals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
To meet any learning goals or objectives, 6th graders must practice math concepts outside school. DreamBox’s interactive math program is an engaging way for students to practice skills introduced in the classroom. Whether your child needs additional support or an extra challenge, Dreambox adapts in real time to create a personalized experience. Your child can also practice 6th grade math concepts with this free common core math standards grade 6 worksheet.
The common core math goals for grade 6 include: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. Throughout the year, 6th grade students should focus on strengthening their mathematical thinking and practices to help prepare for higher-level math.
