11+ BODMAS & Order of Operations
Master the universal order of operations: Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction with zero exam confusion.
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Interactive BODMAS Lab & Explorer
Interactive Practice · 3 StagesConsolidate operator priority hands-on. Explore why BODMAS works, solve bracket puzzles, spot exam traps, and test your calculation speed across 3 interactive stages.
BODMAS Explorer & Interactive Challenges
Consolidate operator priority through side-by-side breakdowns, active bracket placement puzzles, and exam error-detection challenges.
Untimed BODMAS test
8 questions · untimed · score savedPractise systematically without a timer. Review every explanation, then retry later to check the method stuck.
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Timed BODMAS test
Timed · 5 minutes · score savedWork against the clock for five minutes. Complete 8 questions to build test-day speed and pacing under timed conditions.
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Year 4 BODMAS test
Untimed · Year 4 foundation · score savedA gentler untimed foundation test for Year 4 learners building confidence with the order of operations.
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BODMAS rules and exam tips
Always calculate Brackets first, then Orders (powers and roots). Next do Division and Multiplication from left to right, followed by Addition and Subtraction from left to right.
The BODMAS Hierarchy
Every mathematical expression must be calculated in this exact operational priority order.
| Letter | Operation | Quick Example |
|---|---|---|
| B | Brackets (parentheses) | (3 + 4) × 2 = 7 × 2 = 14 |
| O | Orders (powers & roots) | 2³ + 5 = 8 + 5 = 13 |
| D | Division (÷) | 12 ÷ 3 = 4 |
| M | Multiplication (×) | 4 × 5 = 20 |
| A | Addition (+) | 6 + 2 = 8 |
| S | Subtraction (−) | 10 − 3 = 7 |
Equal-Priority Tie-Breaker Rules
3 Golden Calculation Rules
Master these three steps to avoid the classic arithmetic traps set by 11+ exam boards.
Multiply & Divide Before Adding/Subtracting
Never calculate blindly left-to-right across mixed operations. Multiplication and division always happen before addition and subtraction.
2 + 3 × 4 = 2 + 12 = 14 (NOT 20!)Left-to-Right Equal Priority Rule
Division does not beat multiplication; they are equal partners. When both appear together, calculate them strictly from left to right.
20 ÷ 4 × 2 = 5 × 2 = 10 (NOT 20 ÷ 8 = 2.5)Underline & Rewrite One Step at a Time
Underline the single operation you are evaluating, solve it, and rewrite the remainder of the line below. Never try multiple operations mentally.
18 − (2 + 3) × 2 → 18 − 5 × 2 → 18 − 10 = 8BODMAS Practice Worksheet 🔒 Members
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