Learn exponents step by step
Learn exponents in 8 levels, from writing powers to squares, cubes, roots, the exponent rules and scientific notation, with a 5-question test for each.
🧒 Kids: tap Start level ▶ and get 4 of 5 right to pass. Can you reach level 8? 🏆
Which level for which grade?
There are 8 levels, from writing powers to scientific notation. Each level has short lessons and a 5-question test; get 4 right to pass. Progress is saved on this device, so your child can come back and carry on.
| Level | Skill | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write and read powers | 6 |
| 2 | Square numbers | 5–6 |
| 3 | Cube numbers | 6 |
| 4 | Powers of 10 | 5 |
| 5 | Square and cube roots | 6–8 |
| 6 | Exponent rules | 8 |
| 7 | Zero and negative exponents | 8 |
| 8 | Scientific notation | 8 |
How to use the levels
- Find the starting level. Take the tests from level 1 until your child scores under 4. That is the level to work on.
- Learn it. Open the Learn links for that level: each lesson has pictures, a parent script and practice.
- Practice for a few days. Use the quizzes on the lesson pages and the exponents practice tool.
- Retake the test. 4 out of 5 passes the level. Move on to the next one.
Level 1 is the one to take slowly. If a child thinks 2⁵ means 2 × 5, every later level will go wrong.
Why the levels are in this order
Each level uses the one before it. Level 1 sets the meaning of an exponent, and levels 2 to 4 practice the powers children meet most: squares, cubes and powers of 10.
Level 5 runs squares and cubes backwards as roots. Levels 6 and 7 are the grade 8 rules, and level 8 uses them all in scientific notation.
A child stuck at a high level usually has a gap lower down. Very often it is level 1 or the squares in level 2.
Tools that help with every level
The exponent calculator shows the multiplication and a pattern table for any power. It helps with every level, especially when your child wants to check homework.
Confident times tables matter too, because powers are built from multiplication facts. Keep the multiplication practice going alongside the levels.
More exponents practice
For teachers
The levels work on a projector for a whole-class warm-up. Progress is saved only in each device’s browser, so no login or student data is needed. On shared computers, use Reset my progress at the end of the lesson.
Practice questions (answers below)
Ask these out loud or write them down. Check each answer, and ask “how did you get that?” for one or two.
- Level 1: 3⁴
- Level 2: 13²
- Level 3: 5³
- Level 4: 10⁶
- Level 5: √144
- Level 5: √40 is between…
- Level 6: 2⁶ × 2³
- Level 7: 10⁻²
- Level 8: 0.0072 in scientific notation
- Stretch: (3 × 10⁴) × (4 × 10⁵)
Show the answers
- 81
- 169
- 125
- 1,000,000
- 12
- 6 and 7
- 2⁹
- 0.01
- 7.2 × 10⁻³
- 1.2 × 10¹⁰
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Level chart
Print a chart of 8 boxes and colour one each time a level is passed.
Celebrate
A small reward at levels 4 and 8.
Doubling chain
Keep doubling from 1 and name each power of 2. It warms up any level.
By grade
Check every topic at once
The free math check-up tests every topic of one grade in 10 to 20 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and where to start practicing. Levels you pass here also appear on your progress page.
More for each grade: Grade 5 math and the CBSE class 5 maths guide; Grade 6 math and the CBSE class 6 maths guide; Grade 8 math and the CBSE class 8 maths guide.
Worksheets and practice
Exponents worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you learn exponents step by step?
Start with what an exponent means, then squares, cubes and powers of 10. Next come roots, then the exponent rules, zero and negative exponents, and scientific notation.
What is the hardest part of exponents?
Usually the rules and negative exponents in grade 8. They are much easier once the meaning of an exponent is secure.
How long does it take to learn exponents?
They are spread over grades 5, 6 and 8. Most children move through two or three levels a term with short daily practice.
Is progress saved?
Yes, passed levels are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us.
Should my child know times tables first?
Yes. Powers are built from repeated multiplication, so times tables make every level easier.