Mad Hatter Marathon is an individual contest. It is a competition in rapid computation and solution. Problems are shown on a screen, and also read aloud, one at at time. After the time for each question has elapsed, the next question is shown. Previous questions are not shown again.
The questions are in a multiple choice format. Competitors work on the problems mentally, if possible, but using paper and pencil is allowed.
There are two parts, with a 15-minute break in between:
Part 1: 20 problems, 2 points for each correct answer.
Part 2: 10 problems, 3 points for each correct answer.
In general the problems in the second part are more challenging.
Links to sample problems from previous Mad Hatter contests can be found below. Note that since the format of contests has changed as of 2025, competitions from 2024 and before do not have the same format, length, or scoring as the current competitions.
Intended for students in grades 11 and 12. Lower grade levels may compete. Problems are chosen from applied as well as academic math. The following topic areas should be reviewed by participating students: binomial expansion, complex numbers, functions (polynomial, rational, algebraic, circular, logarithmic, exponential), geometry (plane, space, coordinate), number theory, progressions, combinations, probability, sequences, series, and trigonometry.
Part 1: 2 minutes per problem (total 40 minutes)
Break/Prep for Part 2: 20 minutes
Part 2: 3 minutes per problem (total 30 minutes)
Total: 90 minutes
Sample problems from previous competitions: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 part I | 2023 part II
Intended for students in grades 9 and 10. Lower grade levels may compete. Students in grades 11 and higher are not eligible. Problems are chosen from applied as well as academic math. Contest material is taken from topics covered in foundation courses in algebra and geometry. Other problems whose solutions are primarily "intuitive" in nature may also be used.
Part 1: 2 minutes per problem (total 40 minutes)
Break/Prep for Part 2: 20 minutes
Part 2: 3 minutes per problem (total 30 minutes)
Total: 90 minutes
Sample problems from previous competitions: 2025 | 2024 | 2022
Intended for students in grades 6 to 8. Lower grade levels may compete. Students in grades 9 and higher are not eligible. Problems are chosen from applied as well as academic math. Contest material is taken from topics covered in foundational courses in mathematics. Other problems whose solutions are primarily "intuitive" in nature may also be used.
Part 1: 1.5 minutes per problem (total 30 minutes)
Break/Prep for Part 2: 20 minutes
Part 2: 2.5 minutes per problem (total 25 minutes)
Total: 75 minutes
Sample problems from previous competitions: 2025 | 2024 | 2023