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BODMAS Explained: A Simple Guide for Students

July 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Have you ever solved a maths question and got a different answer from your teacher? You may have added the numbers first, while someone else multiplied them first. So, who is correct?

The answer depends on one important maths rule called BODMAS. BODMAS tells us the correct order to solve maths questions that have more than one operation. Once you learn this rule, solving maths problems becomes much easier.

What does BODMAS mean?

BODMAS is a short word where each letter has a meaning:

  • B = Brackets
  • O = Orders (Powers or Squares)
  • D = Division
  • M = Multiplication
  • A = Addition
  • S = Subtraction

This is the order you should follow when solving a maths problem. If you follow these steps, you will usually get the correct answer.

Why is BODMAS important?

Imagine this question: 5 + 3 × 2. Some students add first: 5 + 3 = 8, then 8 × 2 = 16. Others multiply first: 3 × 2 = 6, then 5 + 6 = 11. Which answer is correct? The correct answer is 11, because BODMAS tells us to do multiplication before addition. Without BODMAS, everyone would get different answers.

Step 1: Solve brackets first

If a question has brackets, always solve them first. For example, (6 + 4) × 3: first solve the brackets, 6 + 4 = 10, then multiply, 10 × 3 = 30. The answer is 30.

Step 2: Solve orders

Orders include numbers with powers. For example, 4² means 4 × 4 = 16. Always solve powers before division or multiplication.

Step 3: Division comes next

For example, 24 ÷ 6 + 5: first divide, 24 ÷ 6 = 4, then add, 4 + 5 = 9. The answer is 9.

Step 4: Multiplication

For example, 7 + 4 × 5: multiply first, 4 × 5 = 20, then add, 7 + 20 = 27. The answer is 27.

Step 5: Addition

Once multiplication and division are finished, complete any addition. For example, 12 + 8 = 20.

Step 6: Subtraction

Subtraction is usually the final step. For example, 20 − 7 = 13.

Let's try some examples

Example 1: 8 + 2 × 4. Multiply first: 2 × 4 = 8. Now add: 8 + 8 = 16. Answer: 16.

Example 2: (10 − 4) × 5. Solve the brackets: 10 − 4 = 6. Multiply: 6 × 5 = 30. Answer: 30.

Example 3: 18 ÷ 3 + 6. Divide first: 18 ÷ 3 = 6. Add: 6 + 6 = 12. Answer: 12.

Common mistakes students make

Many students solve the question from left to right without following BODMAS. For example, 9 + 6 ÷ 3 — the wrong method adds first (9 + 6 = 15, then 15 ÷ 3 = 5), but the correct method divides first (6 ÷ 3 = 2, then 9 + 2 = 11). Following the correct order gives the correct answer.

Easy tips to remember BODMAS

Here are some simple tips.

  • Always look for brackets first
  • Never rush
  • Solve one step at a time
  • Write each step clearly
  • Check your answer before finishing

With practice, BODMAS becomes easy to remember.

How parents can help

Parents can practise small BODMAS questions at home. Start with simple examples that have only two operations. Once your child understands those, slowly introduce brackets and more challenging questions. Encourage your child to explain why they chose a particular operation first — this helps them understand the rule instead of memorising it.

How step-by-step learning tools help

Many children remember the word BODMAS, but they forget when to apply each step. A step-by-step learning platform explains every question one at a time. Instead of only showing the final answer, children can see:

  • Which operation is solved first
  • Why that step comes before the others
  • How each calculation changes the question
  • How to avoid common mistakes

Children can practise unlimited BODMAS questions and repeat lessons whenever they need. Learning becomes easier because they understand the process instead of simply memorising the rule.

Build strong maths skills with BODMAS

BODMAS is one of the most important rules in maths. It helps students solve questions correctly and prepares them for more advanced topics like algebra and equations. The more you practise, the more confident you become.

Clear explanations, interactive practice, and step-by-step guidance make learning BODMAS simple. Remember, every great maths learner started by understanding one simple rule at a time.