How to find the right online math tutor
Updated · WantATutor
To find the right online math tutor, match the tutor to the exact course and level (for example 6th grade math, Algebra I, AP Calculus or SAT math), check that they use a shared whiteboard or tablet to work through problems with you, and book a first lesson to see how they find gaps and explain step by step.
Math is the subject families look for help with most often, because gaps build on each other: a weak spot in fractions shows up later in algebra. A good math tutor finds the exact step that keeps going wrong and fixes it. Online lessons make it easier to find a tutor who knows your specific course.
Match the tutor to the course and level
- Elementary: number sense, operations, fractions and word problems. See elementary tutors.
- Middle school: ratios, pre-algebra, negative numbers and equations. See middle school tutors.
- High school: Algebra I and II, geometry, precalculus and calculus.
- Test prep: SAT and ACT math, AP, IB, GCSE and A-level math.
- College: calculus, linear algebra and statistics.
How online math lessons work
Most tutors use a shared digital whiteboard where both of you can write. The student works through problems while the tutor watches each step, asks questions and corrects misconceptions on the spot. Many tutors save the whiteboard after each lesson so the student can review it. A tablet with a stylus makes writing much easier than a mouse.
What a good math tutor does
- Starts by finding the gaps, often with a few diagnostic problems
- Asks the student to explain their thinking, not just give answers
- Uses the student's own homework and tests as material
- Sets short practice between lessons and checks it
- Tracks progress on specific topics and test results
Questions to ask before you book
Ask which courses and levels they teach most, how they would start with your child or with you, which whiteboard tool they use and how they update parents. Our questions to ask a tutor list covers the rest.
Get started
Browse math tutors or post a free request with the course, level and what is hard right now, and let math tutors reply with their rate.
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Want a tutor? Post a request and let tutors come to you
- Tell us what you need; your request goes to matching tutors.
- The first 5 tutors send their rates so you can compare them side by side.
- Choose one; only they see your phone number. Free.