Switching from Singapore Math to Saxon Math: which level to check first

Find the last Singapore Math level your child worked in to see where to look in Saxon Math, how strong the evidence is, and the free placement test to give next.

In short

No publisher we found publishes a direct Singapore Math to Saxon Math crosswalk, so we place both programs on one shared grade scale from each publisher's own level guidance. Finishing 4A / 4B in Singapore Math points to Math 6/5 in Saxon Math, or Math 5/4 if the placement test shows gaps (Confirmed by publisher). Evidence across all 6 Singapore Math levels: 6 Confirmed by publisher. The placement test is the real answer.

Checked Oct 17, 2026. Built from the same table as our math switch helper and methodology page.

Saxon placement tests (hosted by Sonlight)

Place by skill, not grade. Saxon K to 3 books work differently from 5/4 and up, so a switch at that point is a bigger change.

Singapore Math to Saxon Math, level by level

Last Singapore Math level	Finished it: look first at	About halfway: look first at	Evidence
1A / 1B	Math 2 If the test shows gaps: Math 1	Math 1 If the test shows gaps: Math K	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper
2A / 2B	Math 3 If the test shows gaps: Math 2	Math 2 If the test shows gaps: Math 1	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper
3A / 3B	Math 5/4 If the test shows gaps: Math 3	Math 3 If the test shows gaps: Math 2	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper
4A / 4B	Math 6/5 If the test shows gaps: Math 5/4	Math 5/4 If the test shows gaps: Math 3	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper
5A / 5B	Math 7/6 If the test shows gaps: Math 6/5	Math 6/5 If the test shows gaps: Math 5/4	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper
6A / 6B	Math 8/7 If the test shows gaps: Math 7/6	Math 7/6 If the test shows gaps: Math 6/5	Confirmed by publisher	Open in the helper

Why these levels

Singapore Math: Singapore Math says its levels align with U.S. grades and that students switching in often start at an earlier level. Sources: Singapore Math placement tests: levels align with U.S. grades; switching students often start earlier, Nicole the Math Lady placement examples (Abeka K to Singapore 1A; part of Saxon 2 to Singapore 2A).

Saxon Math: Saxon's placement guide puts most fourth graders in Math 5/4, seventh graders in 8/7 and eighth graders in Algebra 1/2. Sources: Saxon placement tests and guide (Sonlight), Saxon middle grades placement test (PDF), Homeschool Picks, quoting Cathy Duffy on Saxon and Teaching Textbooks levels.

A match is only as strong as its weaker side. Confirmed by publisher means both publishers state the level we used, not that they confirmed the pairing. Supported by parent reports means at least one side rests on reviewers or parents. Unverified means we found no source for at least one side.

How to make the switch

Note the last Singapore Math level your child worked in and whether they finished it.
Find it in the table above and note the evidence level.
Give the Saxon Math placement guidance on a calm day, without helping. Follow the publisher's instructions for scores near a cutoff.
Compare the Saxon Math level's scope and sequence with what your child already covered.
Use free samples or trial lessons for a week before buying the full level.
Check the sale timing before you buy. When Saxon Math usually goes on sale. When Singapore Math usually goes on sale.

Going the other way? See Saxon Math to Singapore Math. Comparing more programs, or not sure a switch will help? The math switch helper starts with that question.

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Questions parents ask

Does Saxon Math have a placement test?

Saxon placement tests (hosted by Sonlight): https://www.sonlight.com/pages/saxon-placement-tests. Place by skill, not grade. Saxon K to 3 books work differently from 5/4 and up, so a switch at that point is a bigger change.

Is 4A / 4B in Singapore Math the same as Math 6/5 in Saxon Math?

Not exactly. Programs teach topics in different orders. On our scale, a child who finished 4A / 4B in Singapore Math is at about the point where Math 6/5 in Saxon Math begins, so that is the level to check first. Evidence level: Confirmed by publisher. No publisher publishes a crosswalk between these two programs.

Why might my child place differently in Saxon Math?

How we placed Singapore Math: Singapore Math says its levels align with U.S. grades and that students switching in often start at an earlier level. How we placed Saxon Math: Saxon's placement guide puts most fourth graders in Math 5/4, seventh graders in 8/7 and eighth graders in Algebra 1/2.

Should we switch at all?

Often a pacing change in the program you own works first: slow down, review, skip ahead or trim problems. A switch makes the most sense when the format or content does not fit your child or family. The switch helper walks through this first.

When does Saxon Math usually go on sale?

No published sale dates, discounts or free trials were found on the brand's own site when we checked. Details and sources: https://homeschoolhaul.com/sale-calendar/saxon-math/

More switch guides

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