Essential Order of Operations PEMDAS Worksheet | Grade 6-7

This comprehensive Order of Operations worksheet helps Grade 6 and Grade 7 students master the evaluation of numerical expressions using the PEMDAS or BODMAS framework. By working through varied problems, learners build the computational fluency required for pre-algebra success. This resource ensures students correctly sequence parentheses, exponents, and basic operations for accurate results.

At a Glance

• Grade: 6–7 · Subject: Math
• Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.C — Perform arithmetic operations in the conventional order when there are no parentheses
• Skill Focus: Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
• Format: 5 pages · 60 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice and homework assignments
• Time: 30–45 minutes

This 5-page PDF contains 60 distinct mathematical expressions designed to challenge and reinforce correct sequencing. Tasks include operations involving whole numbers and parentheses to ensure deep conceptual understanding. A full answer key is provided for every page, allowing for quick teacher grading or student self-correction during independent work periods.

• Guided Practice: The initial set of 12 problems introduces students to basic two-step operations, providing a clear starting point for applying PEMDAS rules with minimal scaffolding.
• Supported Practice: Subsequent sections increase complexity by introducing parentheses and multi-step expressions, requiring students to carefully map their computational path before calculating.
• Independent Practice: The final pages offer high-volume repetition with diverse problem structures, cementing the order of operations as a reflexive mathematical habit. This gradual-release approach moves students from basic recall to complex evaluation.

The primary standard for this resource is CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.C, which requires students to perform arithmetic operations in the conventional order when there are no parentheses. This standard code can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this worksheet as a primary practice tool during the guided practice phase of a lesson on numerical expressions. Teachers can display one problem on the board and have students follow the steps on their sheets. For formative assessment, observe students as they complete the second page; look specifically for those who skip parentheses or perform addition before multiplication.

This resource is designed for Grade 6 and 7 math students, particularly those beginning their journey into pre-algebra. It provides excellent remediation for older students who struggle with computational sequence or as an enrichment tool for advanced 5th graders. Pair this with a visual PEMDAS anchor chart for a complete learning experience.

According to the RAND AIRS 2024 analysis of middle school mathematical trajectories, mastery of the order of operations is a critical predictor of success in secondary algebra and calculus. Students who fail to internalize PEMDAS rules often struggle with more complex symbolic manipulation later in their academic careers. This worksheet addresses this potential gap by providing 60 high-quality, structured problems aligned to the CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2.C standard. By focusing on the plain-English skill of evaluating expressions correctly, educators can provide the computational foundation necessary for advanced STEM disciplines. Research from ScienceDirect TpT Analysis suggests that high-volume, low-stakes practice with immediate feedback—facilitated here by the included answer key—is one of the most effective ways to build procedural fluency in middle-grade mathematics.