2023
A good start
1st place at the National Mental Arithmetic Olympiad.
Mental arithmetic online
Free mental arithmetic exercises
Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, columns and soroban — online or with PDF worksheets. Created by Diana Kwit and her parents so children can train at their own pace.
Free practice
No login required
Online + PDF
Diana Kwit
My mission
Not everyone has a place to train. I wanted to make it a little easier.
"I believe even a short training session can make a big difference if you come back to it regularly. Not everyone starts with great results — what matters most is having a place to calmly return to the next day." — Diana Kwit
For everyone, no exceptions
For children, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to exercise their mind. All you need is a browser and a few minutes.
Training the mind, not just maths
Mental calculation helps train attention and memory. Maths becomes enjoyable and interesting.
Start in seconds
Choose a mode, set a level and begin. No installation, no accounts, no complicated rules.
Why online
Why did I want this to be online?
1
I want to make the first step easier
Many people would like to try but don't know where to begin. An online platform offers a simple start — no need to search for classes, no stress.
2
I want to help practise regularly
Consistency is the greatest power. I wanted to create a place that is easy to return to even for a short training session.
3
I want to show that maths can be fun
When you see progress, maths stops being just a task. It can become a challenge, a game and a concentration workout.
Who it's for
Who is "Faster Than Calculator" for?
For children
Who want to try mental calculation and feel the joy of small victories.
For parents
Who want to give their child a simple tool for short, regular practice.
For teachers
Who want to use quick exercises as a warm-up, variety or extra support.
For anyone who wants to try
For those who want to exercise their mind, challenge themselves and develop memory.
Online training
Soroban, FLASH, columns and PDF worksheets — all in one place
On the Faster Than Calculator platform, children can practise mental arithmetic online in several modes: on an interactive soroban, in FLASH mode, in columns and on printable PDF worksheets.
Exercises cover addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The platform supports both daily mental calculation training and calm repetition of problems on printed worksheets.
Games & Activities
Maths can be a puzzle too.
The Faster Than Calculator platform also features a Games section — short maths games for kids that support mental arithmetic, concentration and logical thinking.
Start with one calm training session.
Choose a mode, set a level and see how your mind performs.
START PRACTISINGI train mental arithmetic and compete in olympiads.
I didn't want to list them like a long list of trophies. Each one means many ordinary training sessions, focus and the support of my family.
Key milestones
From first competitions to the Super Champion title.
2023
First major victory
2025
3rd place in Poland's Got Talent (16th edition)
2026
Super Champion — International Mental Arithmetic Olympiad in Baku
Polish Champion in Soroban Calculations
Polish Champion in Soroban Calculations
2024
More courage and first international competitions
National Olympiad Champion, 2nd place at the International Online Olympiad and National Online Olympiad Champion.
2025
A year of big results
1st places, Online Champion title and Super Champion of the International Mental Arithmetic Olympiad in Valencia.
2026
Super Champion and Polish Champion
Online Champion, Super Champion in Azerbaijan and Polish Champion in Soroban Calculations.
Diana Kwit
Beyond competitions
Mental arithmetic has opened many beautiful doors for me.
Thanks to mental arithmetic, daily training and my dedication, I experienced things that once seemed very far away. I appeared in TV shows such as Poland's Got Talent, Good Morning TVN and Question for Breakfast, featured in TV commercials and appeared as a guest on the radio.
I am very grateful for that. For me it's not just performances and recordings, but above all a chance to show other children that passion, consistency and the support of loved ones can lead to truly remarkable experiences.
Television
Poland's Got Talent, Good Morning TVN and Question for Breakfast.
Commercials
Participation in television projects and commercials.
Radio
Conversations as a guest and sharing a passion.
Highlights
Moments I am grateful for.
Every trophy and every competition means more than just a result to me. It is many ordinary training sessions, focus and the support of my family. I hope it shows that children can achieve a lot when they have time, a place and tools to practise.
"When I calculate, I try to stay calm and focused. On stage, at the olympiad and during regular training, the most important thing for me is the same: do the best I can." — Diana Kwit
3. miejsce w „Mam Talent"
In the 16th edition of Poland's Got Talent I reached 3rd place. It was an enormous stage, full of emotions — a moment I will remember for a long time.
Super Champion
I earned the Super Champion title at an international mental arithmetic olympiad. I am very grateful for it and proud of the work that led there.
Faster Than Calculator
I would like more people to see that mental calculation can be interesting, calm and give a great sense of satisfaction.
How it started
It started with curiosity and regular training.
Behind every good result are many ordinary days. Sometimes training is short, sometimes harder. I created Faster Than Calculator so everyone has a place to practise regularly — at their own pace.
01
First came curiosity
It started with curiosity and a simple question: what will happen if I practise regularly?
02
Then came the stage
Poland's Got Talent taught me courage and calm. It was an enormous performance, but also a beautiful lesson.
03
And then international challenges
The Super Champion title reminds me that systematic work really does matter.
What it's all about
What would I like to pass on?
My journey matters to me, but what matters even more is that it might encourage someone else. You don't need to calculate on a stage right away. You don't need to win trophies straight away. It is enough to start, practise regularly and discover that the mind can do more than we think.
Maths can be interesting
For me, numbers are like a rhythm — a calm game of concentration.
Children can inspire too
When a child has a passion and support, they can do things that beautifully surprise grown-ups.
Training builds confidence
Every correct answer and every new level can bring a quiet sense of progress.
Everyone starts somewhere
Even if today you start with simple problems, that is still a very good beginning.
Gallery
Photos from training and competitions.
Photos from competitions, TV appearances and olympiads.
Want to give it a try?
Choose a mode, set a level and start calculating mentally. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division — it's all here.
GO TO PLATFORMContact
Have a question? Write to us.
A short message is more than enough. We respond to questions about the platform, mental arithmetic training, how the site works, and project development.
Contact e-mail
Write to us directly.
Have a question, a suggestion or want to report an issue? Write to us — briefly describe what your message is about.
Send an email biuro@szybszanizkalkulator.plWe respond as quickly as possible.
Correspondence is handled by the project administrator.
Diana is a child and does not respond to messages on her own.
Topics
How can we help?
It will be easiest to help if your message is short and specific.
- Platform and training Questions about exercises, modes and using the platform.
- Technical issues Website errors, problems starting training or using the app.
- Ideas and suggestions Proposals for new features, improvements and platform development.
- Media and partnerships Contact regarding the project, appearances, materials or collaboration.
What would you like to do?
Choose online training or prepare a PDF worksheet for printing.
ONLINE TRAINING
Practise flash, columns, soroban and operations in the browser.
PDF WORKSHEETS
Generate mental arithmetic exercises for printing.
Mental Arithmetic Exercise Generator
Create your own PDF worksheets for practising addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and columns — with or without answers.
Add one or more exercise sections, choose the operation type, difficulty level and number of problems, then generate a ready-to-print worksheet.
Training sections
Handwritten digits look like those in classic mental arithmetic worksheets.
Worksheet summary
The PDF file will be generated in the browser and downloaded automatically.
Mode Selection
Choose your preferred way of presenting numbers.
FLASH
Rapid number display in sequence.
COLUMNS
Training with numbers in columns.
SOROBAN
Interactive abacus — learn and practise.
GAMES
Mathematical puzzles and short games supporting mental calculation.
Games
Mathematical games and exercises.
PYRAMID
Fill in missing cells and practise number relationships.
ROAD TO THE GOAL
Solve equations and guide your hero to the finish step by step.
NUMBER GRID
Fill in the missing numbers so every row and column adds up correctly.
Interactive Soroban
Explore the structure and rules of the Japanese abacus.
Move the beads to see how they represent numbers.
Number range:
Set this number on the soroban:
—
0
0
Operation Selection
Choose the type of operation you want to practise.
Addition &
Subtraction
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Addition
2× Addition &
Subtraction
Subtraction
DYNAMIC PHASE
+0
+0
ANSWER:
Set the range and choose the multipliers you want to train with.
Multipliers
First column 1–9, second 11–19, third: tens ranges.
Selecting a range deactivates the corresponding individual numbers.
Selecting a range deactivates the corresponding individual numbers.
Choose at least one multiplier.
Arithmetic Pyramid
Choose game mode and difficulty level.
Game mode
Build from below
Base given — calculate levels above
Fill in the gaps
Some blocks hidden — find the missing ones
PYRAMID HEIGHT
The taller the pyramid, the more calculation steps.
Longer challenges for advanced players.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Range of numbers used in the pyramid base.
Medium: numbers in the pyramid base from 1 to 50.
Your results
⏱ Time
00:00
✅ Correct
0
❌ Errors
0
💡 Hints
0
Calculate the block
Click a block
🏆 Pyramid Builder
Well done! Pyramid completed!
You've reached the very top.
Time—
Correct—
Errors—
Hints—
Road to the Goal
Choose your hero and route settings.
HERO
✓ Selected
Wise Tortoise
Reach the island step by step
✓ Selected
Quick Mouse
Find the best path to the cheese
✓ Selected
Clever Fox
Solve equations and find the treasure
✓ Selected
Brave Lion
Complete the route and win the crown
ROUTE LENGTH
How many steps to the goal.
DIFFICULTY
Number range and equation type.
Medium: numbers 10–99, addition and subtraction. Stays on mistake.
Road to the Goal
Solve equations and guide your hero to the finish.
CHANGE
hero
hero
Choose an operation
🏆 Goal reached!
🤔 Almost!
Number Grid
Fill in the missing numbers and check that everything adds up!
Choose a grid size and difficulty:
GRID SIZE
LEVEL
How does it work?
Type the missing numbers into the empty circles.
5
+
?
=
12
+
+
+
?
+
3
=
?
=
=
=
7
+
8
=
15
Number Grid
Fill in the missing numbers so every row and column adds up correctly.
Enter the result and check. Each problem scored separately.
Solved 0 / 0
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Set maximum values for dividend and divisor. Result is always a whole number.
Enter the result and check. Each problem scored separately.
Solved 0 / 0
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Set complexity, number of columns and total session time.
Mental Arithmetic Path
Wise Turtle
Quick Mouse
Clever Fox
Brave Lion
No level selected — standard mode
Not sure which level to choose? Read about mental arithmetic levels →
Sum each column before time runs out.
—
Solved 0 / 0
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Avg. time —
Knowledge
Soroban, abacus and mental arithmetic explained simply — for children, parents and teachers.
Where would you like to start?
Soroban basics
What is the soroban, the abacus and how do they help with counting?
Animal levelsWise Turtle, Quick Mouse, Clever Fox and Brave Lion.
How to practise?FLASH, columns and a short daily training session.
ToolsInteractive soroban and printable PDF worksheets.
Maths gamesPyramid and activities supporting logical calculation.
GuidesPractical articles for parents and children.
Basics: soroban, abacus and mental arithmetic
A short explanation of what these tools are and why they help children learn to count.
The abacus is the general name for a traditional counting frame, known across many cultures for hundreds of years. The soroban is the Japanese variant of the abacus — a counting tool based on columns of units, tens, hundreds and thousands.
In mental arithmetic a child first learns to move beads on a physical or interactive soroban. Over time they begin to visualise the movement of beads in their head — and that is mental calculation. The soroban helps see a number as an arrangement of beads, not just digits on a page.
The interactive soroban online lets you practise these skills directly in the browser, without needing a physical abacus.
Read more in the guides →Mental arithmetic levels: from Wise Turtle to Brave Lion
The animal levels are not an ordinary difficulty scale. Each level corresponds to a specific stage of abacus learning and a different type of carry during calculation.
PRO
Wise Turtle
No carries through 5 or 10.
24 − 11 + 30
MASTER
Quick Mouse
Passing through 5.
4 + 2 = 6
EXPERT
Clever Fox
Passing through 10 and to the next column.
8 + 7 = 15
GURU
Brave Lion
Full operations without restrictions.
56 + 78 − 39How to practise mental arithmetic online?
The platform offers several modes. Short, regular training gives better results than long and irregular sessions.
FLASH
Fast numbers one after another.
COLUMNS
Calm training for accuracy.
Regularity
A short session every day.
Practice tools: online soroban and PDF worksheets
The platform's two main tools that you can use together or separately.
Interactive soroban online
Move beads directly in the browser. Observe the value of each column and learn to understand numbers through their visual arrangement.
Open soroban →
PDF worksheet generator
Create your own worksheets for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Print for practice at home or school.
Maths games and educational activities
Games complement training — they do not replace it. They help practise counting in a more relaxed way.
Pyramid
Fill in missing fields, analyse relationships between numbers and practise addition and subtraction as a puzzle. Develops logical thinking and concentration.
Play Pyramid →
More games coming soon
The games section is growing. We are planning more short maths exercises that support fast calculation and logical thinking.
Guides for parents and children
Short explanations of how to start learning the soroban, how to practise at home and how to choose the right level.
Basics
Abacus and soroban — what is the difference?
We explain the difference between the abacus and the soroban and how these tools support children's counting.
Practice
Online abacus — how to practise at home?
The online abacus helps practise counting at home. Short, regular sessions support mental arithmetic.
Tools
Soroban exercise generator
The exercise generator helps quickly create tasks for training counting and mental arithmetic for children.
Study plan
Home practice with the soroban
A simple home practice plan with the soroban. Short training sessions help develop counting, memory and concentration.
Frequently asked questions about soroban, abacus and mental arithmetic
What is the soroban?
The soroban is the Japanese variant of the abacus, a counting tool used to learn arithmetic. In mental arithmetic the soroban first helps the child calculate on beads, and later to perform calculations mentally.
How does the soroban differ from the abacus?
The abacus is the general name for a counting frame, while the soroban is its Japanese variant. The soroban has a simple structure based on columns of units, tens, hundreds and thousands.
What is mental arithmetic?
Mental arithmetic means performing calculations in one's head. The child learns to visualise numbers and operations, often based on a mental image of the soroban or abacus.
What does "passing through 5" mean on the soroban?
Passing through 5 means a situation in which the child must use the fives rule. An example is 4 + 2 = 6. The child thinks: I complement to 5 and add the remainder.
What does "passing through 10" mean on the soroban?
Passing through 10 means an operation in which the result moves to the neighbouring column. An example is 8 + 7 = 15. The child learns carrying and complementing to 10.
Does the soroban help with fast calculation?
Regular soroban training can support fast mental calculation, concentration, working memory and a better understanding of number structure.
Are the animal levels just ordinary difficulty levels?
No. The animal levels correspond to specific stages of abacus learning: operations without carries, passing through 5, passing through 10, and full operations without restrictions.
Where to start learning the soroban?
It is best to start with simple operations without carries — the Wise Turtle level. The child learns basic number understanding and calm step-by-step calculation.
Is there an interactive soroban on the platform?
Yes. The platform includes an interactive soroban online where you can move beads in the browser and observe the value of each column.
Can I generate PDF worksheets for practice?
Yes. The PDF worksheet generator lets you create your own mental arithmetic worksheets for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
What can you practise in FLASH mode?
FLASH mode lets you practise fast mental calculation by displaying numbers one after another. You can set the speed, number of examples and number range.
What is COLUMNS mode for?
COLUMNS mode is designed to practise accuracy, concentration and calculation rhythm. Numbers are arranged in columns and the child's task is to work out the result.
Are there maths games for children on the platform?
Yes. The Faster Than Calculator platform is expanding its Games & Fun section with short maths games supporting mental arithmetic and logical thinking.
What is the Pyramid game?
The Pyramid is a maths game in which the child fills in missing fields and analyses relationships between numbers. It helps practise addition, subtraction and step-by-step thinking.
Do games replace mental arithmetic training?
No. Maths games complement training. They work best alongside regular sessions: FLASH, columns, soroban and PDF worksheets.