China Tops Global Math Stakes as PISA 2025 Highlights East Asian Edge

PISA 2025 results show China leading global math with an average score of 612, far above the OECD average, with Singapore (563), Macao (549), and Taiwan (546) rounding out the top four. Japan (525) and a tied Korea/Hong Kong (522) follow, while Estonia (508) stands out in Europe. The United States ranks 27th (463), Canada 11th (485), and the United Kingdom 10th (488). Across OECD countries, math scores declined by about 22 points from 2015 to 2025, and researchers note associations between heavy digital leisure and lower scores (with moderate use linked to better outcomes). The results underscore a persistent East Asian lead in math education and broader shifts in global student performance.