China leads the world in mathematics performance among 15-year-old students, followed by Singapore and Macao, according to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results published in September 2026.
The ranking compares the average mathematics scores of students across participating countries and economies. PISA assesses more than the ability to memorise formulas, examining how well students apply mathematical knowledge and reasoning to real-world problems.
More than 760,000 students participated in PISA 2025 across 91 countries and economies, representing roughly 33 million 15-year-olds worldwide.
Here are the 10 highest-scoring countries in mathematics.
1. China — 612 points
China tops the ranking with an average mathematics score of 612. The result represents Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, rather than the whole country.
2. Singapore — 563 points
Singapore ranks second with an average score of 563, placing it 49 points behind China.
3. Macao — 549 points
Macao takes third place with 549 points, maintaining a position among the highest-performing education systems in mathematics.
4. Taiwan — 546 points
Taiwan ranks fourth, recording an average score of 546, just three points behind Macao.
5. Japan — 525 points
Japan places fifth with 525 points, making it the fifth-highest-scoring participant in the ranking.
6. South Korea — 522 points
South Korea records an average score of 522, placing it sixth, three points behind Japan.
7. Hong Kong SAR — 522 points
Hong Kong SAR also scores 522 points, matching South Korea’s average.
8. Estonia — 508 points
Estonia is the highest-ranked European participant, with an average mathematics score of 508.
9. Switzerland — 499 points
Switzerland ranks ninth with 499 points, placing it 36 points below Estonia.
10. United Kingdom — 488 points
The United Kingdom completes the top 10 with an average score of 488, 25 points below Switzerland.
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