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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any conditions. LifeDNA does not provide diagnostic services for any conditions mentioned in this or any other article.
Math ability, short for mathematical ability, plays an important role in how we learn and think in general. But while some people seem to be naturally good at math, others struggle despite their efforts. This leads to an important question, is math ability something we are born with, or is it shaped more by our environment and education?Â
Understanding math ability goes beyond its important role in academic performance, as it offers insights into brain health, cognitive development, and even mental well-being. Math skills are linked to brain regions involved in memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, so studying these skills may help us understand how the brain functions and changes over time.
Math ability refers to a person’s capacity to understand, process, and apply numerical concepts. It involves different skills such as basic arithmetic, understanding shapes and patterns, solving equations, and logical reasoning. These skills develop as children grow, and they can vary widely from one person to another.
True math ability goes beyond memorizing formulas. It includes how well a person can solve problems, recognize patterns, and think critically using numbers. Some pick up these skills very easily, while others need more time and practice.
You may want to read: Is Your Ability to Do Abstract Reasoning Hereditary?
There are many reasons why people differ in their math skills. Some of these reasons come from environmental factors such as school quality, family support, and access to learning resources. Other reasons come from within the body, such as how the brain works, attention span, and memory. These are based on biological or genetic factors.
One major environmental factor is education. Children who have access to good teachers and early math experiences often perform better in math. Parents also play an important role. For example, parents who enjoy math or talk positively about it can pass that attitude onto their children, helping them feel more confident. Still, even in the same classroom or family, some children show more talent for math than others. This makes us wonder how much of math ability comes from a person’s genetics.
Genetics refers to the inherited instructions in our DNA that help shape how our bodies and brains develop. Scientists have used several research methods to explore the link between gene variants and math skills. One common method is twin studies. These studies compare identical twins, who share nearly all of their genes, with fraternal twins, who share about half. If identical twins are more similar in their math performance than fraternal twins, this suggests a genetic influence.Â
In one early  twin study using data from over 6,000 twin pairs in the United Kingdom, researchers found that genetic factors explained about 60% of the differences in numerical and reading ability among children. This suggests that a significant portion of the variation in math skills could be linked to genetics, while the rest is shaped by environment.
A more recent study used another method, agenome-wide association study (GWAS). This type of study scans the entire genome to find specific genetic markers that are more common in people with higher math skills. So far, researchers have identified several genetic variants linked to educational achievement, including math. However, each of these variantshas only a small effect. This means no single gene controls math ability; instead, many genetic variants work together, each adding a smallinfluence into the combined effect which can be measured by calculating the so called polygenic risk score (PRS)
Math ability is considered a complex genetic trait, meaning it is influenced by many different genes rather than a single one. In the GWAS study, researchers studied the genetics of math ability in 1,146 Chinese elementary students by analyzing 11 different math skill areas, including reasoning, spatial awareness, and calculation. They discovered seven key genetic variants linked to these abilities. Specific genes were found to be connected to individual skills—for example, LINGO2 was associated with subtraction. The study also highlighted specific genetic links to addition, division, spatial understanding, and the perception of numerical magnitude.
One particular variant, rs34034296, was found to be strongly linked to reasoning skills and is located near the gene CSMD3, which has previously been associated with conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The researchers emphasized this is the first time these genes have been directly tied to math abilities. Professor Jingjing Zhao noted that different types of math skills may be influenced by different genes, and the research contributes valuable insight from a Chinese population, helping broaden the scope of genetic studies in education.
So, is math ability determined by genetics? The answer is, partly. Environment, education, effort, and support also play major roles. Genes may set the stage, but experience shapes the performance. Every child has the potential to improve in math with the right guidance and encouragement. Understanding the genetic side of learning can help us support students better.
Even though genes play a role in math ability, they do not act alone. The environment interacts with genetics in powerful ways. For example, a child who has a genetic advantage in math may still struggle if they are not exposed to quality teaching or if they feel anxious about math.
This is called a gene-environment interaction. It means that how a child’s genetics affects their learning can depend on their environment. For instance, children with high polygenic scores for math ability tend to do better when they attend schools with strong math programs. In contrast, if these same children are in less supportive environments, they may not reach their full potential.
Interestingly, children with lower genetic scores can still do very well in math if they receive strong educational support. This highlights the importance of nurturing every child, regardless of their genetic makeup.
Your talent with numbers might be partly written in your genes. The LifeDNA Personality & Cognition Report looks at how certain genetic markers, like those in the SPOCK1 gene, may be linked to math ability. Studies have found that variations in this gene, which supports brain development, are connected to how well some people do in math.
With this report, you can discover how your DNA might influence your natural skills in areas like math. While learning and environment matter too, knowing your genetic strengths can help you better understand how you think and learn.
