Printable 4th Grade Math Test PDF + How to Ace State Math Tests!

4th Grade Math Test PDF

At public schools across the United States, 4th grade students are annually tested in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.

In this article, we’ll focus on state tests for 4th grade Mathematics. While there are many different math state tests in use, the vast majority test students on very similar skills, which are either directly linked or closely related to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

In this article, we’ll focus on math state exams that fourth graders take, and provide a printable practice 4th grade math test. You can download the test by clicking the button below.

In addition to receiving the practice math test, we will also send you a bonus PDF "5 Proven Test Prep Strategies for Using Practice Tests" to help you develop a study plan.

Now let's explore Common Core sample questions grade 4, discuss the skills and knowledge your 4th grader needs to ace the test, and provide a 4th grade math test PDF to help your child prepare.

What 4th Grade Math State Test Will My Child Take?

The test your child will take depends on your location. However, most current Mathematics state tests measure very similar skills and knowledge.

The majority of 4th grade state tests are at least loosely based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a set of rigorous national standards for ELA and Mathematics meant to adequately prepare students for college and careers.

Two state tests in particular were designed to be linked to CCSS: PARCC and SBAC. Both the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) received funds from the Department of Education to create CCSS-aligned standardized tests.

PARCC states include :

  • Colorado

  • Illinois

  • Maryland

  • New Jersey

  • New Mexico

  • Rhode Island

  • Massachusetts (participates, but doesn’t fully utilize PARCC)

  • Louisiana (participates, but doesn’t fully utilize PARCC)
  • SBAC members include :

  • California

  • Hawaii

  • North Dakota

  • South Dakota

  • Oregon

  • Washington

  • West Virginia
  • Even if your state does not administer SBAC or PARCC, your child’s 4th grade Mathematics state test will likely measure skills that are closely related to CCSS.

    Common Core Math 4th Grade

    So what exactly does your child need to know and be able to do, according to Common Core? Here we’ll outline the basic requirements for 4th grade Common Core math and provide Common Core sample questions grade 4.

    For fourth grade students, CCSS Mathematics skills are divided into five topics:

  • Operations and Algebraic Thinking

  • Number and Operations in Base Ten

  • Number and Operations-Fractions

  • Measurement and Data

  • Geometry
  • For Operations and Algebraic Thinking, 4th grade students are expected to solve problems using the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), generate and analyze patterns, and gain familiarity with factors and multiples.

    4th Grade Math Test- Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Sample Question

    4th Grade Math Test- Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Sample Question

    To demonstrate an understanding of Number and Operations in Base Ten, fourth grade students are asked to generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers. For example, a fourth grade students should recognize that a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right.

    4th Grade Math Test - Number and Operations in Base Ten sample question

    4th Grade Math Test - Number and Operations in Base Ten sample question

    They are also expected to use this understanding of place value to perform multi-digit arithmetic.

    In regards to Numbers and Operations-Fractions, your 4th grade student should be able to determine fraction equivalency, order fractions, build fractions for unit fractions, understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions. They should be able to interpret charts and graphs related to fractions.

     Number and Operations-Fractions sample questions 1 (Grade 4)

     Number and Operations-Fractions sample questions 1 (Grade 4)

    Number and Operations-Fractions sample question 2 (Grade 4)

    Number and Operations-Fractions sample question 2 (Grade 4)

    According to CCSS, fourth grade students should have enough knowledge of Measurement and Data to measure angles and understand concepts of angles, as well as solve problems involving measurements and conversion of measurements.

     Measurement and Data Sample question 1 (Grade 4)

     Measurement and Data Sample question 1 (Grade 4)

    Measurement and Data Sample question 2 (Grade 4)

    Measurement and Data Sample question 2 (Grade 4)

    Lastly, students should reason with shapes and their attributes, draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes based on properties of their lines and angles to show their grasp on Geometry.

     4th Grade Math  - Geometry Sample question

     4th Grade Math  - Geometry Sample question

    Essentially, Common Core emphasizes the ability to not only calculate mathematically, but also reason mathematically and explain why mathematical processes work the way they do.

    To see additional Common Core sample questions grade 4, be sure to view the appropriate 4th grade math test PDF: either the PARCC practice test 4th grade or the Smarter Balanced practice test 4th grade.

    PARCC Mathematics 4th Grade

    PARCC Mathematics tests assess students on the ability to solve multi-step math problems that require critical thinking and address real-world situations.

    These tests consist of three major task types:

  • Type I: Tasks assessing concepts, skills, and procedures.

  • Type II: Tasks assessing the ability to express mathematical reasoning (written arguments and justifications, critiques of reasoning, precision in mathematical statements).

  • Type III: Tasks assessing models/application in real world contexts or scenarios.
  • All three task types require students to use and apply 4th grade Common Core mathematics skills, as described in the section above.

    Each math exam is divided into “units,” and fourth grade students must complete three units lasting 60 minutes each. For fourth grade students, no calculator is allowed on the test.

    To learn more about PARCC, be sure to check out the PARCC practice test 4th grade.

    Smarter Balanced Mathematics 4th Grade

    The four specific skills tested by SBAC Mathematics are as follows:

  • Concepts and Procedures: Students can explain and apply mathematical concepts and interpret and carry out mathematical procedures with precision and fluency.

  • Problem Solving: Students can solve a range of complex well-posed problems in pure and applied mathematics, making productive use of knowledge and problem solving strategies.

  • Communicating Reasoning: Students can clearly and precisely construct viable arguments to support their own reasoning and to critique the reasoning of others.

  • Modeling and Data Analysis: Students can analyze complex, real-world scenarios and can construct and use mathematical models to interpret and solve problems.
  • Concepts and Procedures

    Problem Solving questions require 4th grade students to apply math to real-world situations. They must be able to strategically select and use tools as they solve problems, and they need the ability to interpret results in context.

    To successfully answer Communicate Reasoning questions, your child must critique, prove, justify, or investigate mathematical conjectures and logic. Basically, these questions involve explaining the reasoning behind an answer or, on occasion, evaluating flaws in reasoning in a sample problem.

    Lastly, Modeling and Data Analysis questions ask 4th grade students to apply mathematical knowledge to real world scenarios at a deep level of understanding. Students may be asked to develop mathematical models of their own or to improve upon provided models. Students may also be asked to make reasoned estimates and plan, design, evaluate, and recommend tasks.

    SBAC tests are untimed, but 4th grade Mathematics generally takes students about two hours and 30 minutes to complete.

    To learn more about the SBAC, spend some time with your child reviewing a Smarter Balanced practice test 4th grade.

    Whether your child is required to take PARCC, SBAC, or another exam entirely, the following tips can help your child perform successfully:

  • Work hard in Math class throughout the year. Since each teacher’s curriculum is based on CCSS (or very similar skills), the information your child learns in class will directly translate to the information on the state test. If your child struggles, ask the teacher for extra help or consider finding a tutor.

  • Practice specific skills using math workbooks. If your child struggles with a specific skill, find a math workbook or program related to that skill and have your child practice regularly.

  • Explain your reasoning. As your child works on math skills, it is also important to practice explaining and justifying reasoning, as these skills are emphasized in the CCSS and consequently on state tests. Your child must understand not just the “how,” but also the “why.”

  • Practice test-taking strategies. Have your child work on important test-taking strategies, like using process of elimination and skipping over difficult questions to return to them later. On some math questions, it’s possible to “plug and chug,” or plug in the answer choices and see which correctly answers the question.

  • Become familiar with test content by working with a printable 4th grade Math test PDF. Whether your child needs a Smarter Balanced practice test 4th grade, a PARCC practice test 4th grade, or another test, completing practice tests is tremendously helpful in building confidence and ease with test content.
  • By learning the information here, as well as utilizing our tips and 4th grade math test PDFs, you’re helping your child travel the path to success on the state math test.