Florida Math Assessment Guide
FAST vs. Star Math: What's the Difference?
Which math test your child takes in Florida, how Star Math (K–2) and FAST Mathematics (Grades 3–8) compare, and what changes in third grade.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
Are FAST and Star Math the Same Test?
No. Both are part of Florida's statewide testing system, called FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking), but they are different tests:
- Kindergarten–Grade 2 take Star Math, a shorter test.
- Grades 3–8 take FAST Mathematics, a longer test built on each grade's B.E.S.T. benchmarks.
The switch happens in third grade, which is why many parents notice the scores and reports look different that year.
Star Math vs. FAST Mathematics Side by Side
| Star Math (K–2) | FAST Mathematics (3–8) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | Kindergarten – Grade 2 | Grades 3–8 |
| Number of questions | 34 | 35–40 (Grades 3–5) |
| Test length | About 20–30 minutes on average | Up to 80 min at PM1/PM2, up to 100 min at PM3 (Grades 3–5) |
| Question types | Mostly multiple choice | Multiple choice plus typed answers, drag-and-drop, fraction models, graphing, and more |
| Adaptive | Yes | Yes |
| Testing periods | PM1, PM2, PM3 | PM1, PM2, PM3 |
| Main score | Unified Scale Score, plus a FAST Equivalent Score | B.E.S.T. scale score |
| Achievement levels | Levels 1–5 | Levels 1–5 |
| Percentile compares with | Students in the same grade nationwide | Florida students |
Sources: FDOE 2026–27 FAST K–2 Fact Sheet and Grades 3–10 Fact Sheet.
What Is Star Math in Florida?
Star Math is the math test for Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. It is short (34 questions, usually 20–30 minutes), taken on a computer, and adapts to how your child answers.
The Star Math report shows a Unified Scale Score, a percentile rank compared with students nationwide, a FAST Equivalent Score linked to the B.E.S.T. scale, and an achievement level from 1 to 5.
K–2 students take Star Math in the same three periods as older students. One difference: the K–2 PM3 window opens earlier, running Apr 12 – May 28, 2027 this year.
What Is FAST Mathematics for Grades 3–8?
Starting in Grade 3, students take FAST Mathematics. It is longer, covers the full year of the grade's B.E.S.T. benchmarks, and uses more types of questions, such as typing answers, building fraction models, and graphing.
Results include a B.E.S.T. scale score, an achievement level from 1 to 5, a percentile compared with Florida students, and performance in each reporting category.
What Changes Between Grade 2 and Grade 3?
Third grade is a new test, not just a harder version of the same one. The test is longer, the questions are more varied, and the math itself grows: multiplication, division, and fractions become major parts of the year.
The scores also change. A Grade 2 Star Math score and a Grade 3 FAST Math score are on different scales, and the percentile switches from a national to a Florida comparison. The Star Math FAST Equivalent Score and achievement level give a rough preview, but use each year's official report and talk with the teacher before drawing conclusions.
Getting ready in Grade 2: strong place value, quick addition and subtraction, and understanding multiplication as equal groups make the jump to Grade 3 much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAST vs. Star Math FAQ
Does my second grader take FAST Math?
Second graders take Star Math, which is the math test used for Kindergarten–Grade 2 within Florida's FAST system. The FAST Mathematics test starts in Grade 3.
How long is the Star Math test?
Star Math has 34 questions and usually takes about 20–30 minutes. Each question has a time limit of a few minutes, and the test is given in one session.
Can I compare my child's Grade 2 Star Math score with their Grade 3 FAST Math score?
Not number to number. Star Math reports a Unified Scale Score, while Grade 3 FAST Math uses the B.E.S.T. scale. Star Math reports also include a FAST Equivalent Score and an achievement level, which give a rough sense of where your child stands before Grade 3. Use the official report for each test and talk with the teacher.
Why does my child's percentile look different in Grade 3?
Star Math compares your child with students in the same grade across the country. FAST Mathematics compares your child with Florida students. A change in percentile can come from the different comparison group, not only from a change in skills.
How can I help my second grader get ready for Grade 3 FAST Math?
Focus on solid number skills: place value, addition and subtraction, and an early understanding of multiplication as equal groups. Grade 3 FAST Math adds multiplication, division, and fractions, and uses more computer-based question types than Star Math.
Official Florida Assessment Information
See the 2026–27 FAST K–2 Fact Sheet and the Florida Department of Education.
Make Florida Math Practice More Fun
Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.
Start Practicing FreeIndependent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.