🧮 What Does “Order of Operations” Mean?
In math, the order of operations tells us the correct sequence to solve expressions — so everyone gets the same answer. The most famous acronym is PEMDAS, which stands for:
Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.
It’s a simple way to remember what to do first when multiple operations appear in a math problem. For example, in the expression 3 + 6 × (5 + 4) ÷ 3², following PEMDAS ensures you handle parentheses and exponents before multiplying or adding.
But did you know there are many creative and subject-specific alternatives to PEMDAS? Across different countries, disciplines, and teaching styles, educators use unique variations to make the rule easier — or more fun — to remember.
Let’s explore 30 different “acronyms for order of operations,” each explained with a short description, an example, and when to use it.
🧩 30 Acronyms for Order of Operations and When to Use Them
1. PEMDAS – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: The most widely used standard in the U.S.
Example: “Always follow PEMDAS to solve algebraic equations correctly.”
When to Use: For general arithmetic and algebra.
2. BODMAS – Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: The British version of PEMDAS.
Example: “In the U.K., we teach BODMAS instead of PEMDAS.”
When to Use: In Commonwealth countries or international textbooks.
3. BEDMAS – Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Common in Canadian schools.
Example: “Remember BEDMAS to stay accurate in math class.”
When to Use: In Canadian education systems.
4. BIDMAS – Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: “Indices” replaces “Exponents.”
Example: “British students often use BIDMAS instead of PEMDAS.”
When to Use: In British mathematics curriculum.
5. GEMDAS – Grouping, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: “Grouping” includes parentheses, brackets, or braces.
Example: “Use GEMDAS for problems with complex nested brackets.”
When to Use: In advanced algebra or geometry.
6. PEMDAC – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Comparison
Meaning: Adds “comparison” for equations that include inequalities.
Example: “PEMDAC helps solve expressions that use < or >.”
When to Use: In pre-algebra and logic problems.
7. PEDMAS – Parentheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: A slight variation for easier verbal recall.
Example: “Many teachers teach PEDMAS instead of PEMDAS—it’s simpler to say.”
When to Use: For elementary-level students.
8. PODMAS – Parentheses, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Similar to BODMAS but replaces “Brackets” with “Parentheses.”
Example: “PODMAS emphasizes using parentheses for clarity.”
When to Use: In introductory algebra courses.
9. PAMDAS – Parentheses, Algebraic powers, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Focuses on algebraic expressions.
Example: “For algebraic powers, follow PAMDAS strictly.”
When to Use: In algebra and exponents lessons.
10. SADMEP – Subtraction, Addition, Division, Multiplication, Exponents, Parentheses
Meaning: The reverse of PEMDAS—used to check work when solving backward.
Example: “To undo operations, remember SADMEP.”
When to Use: When solving equations in reverse order.
11. BEADS – Brackets, Exponents, Addition, Division, Subtraction
Meaning: A simplified mnemonic for early learners.
Example: “Kids love BEADS—it’s short and easy to memorize.”
When to Use: In elementary math classrooms.
12. BEMDAS – Brackets, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Combines elements of BODMAS and PEMDAS.
Example: “Some international schools teach BEMDAS to blend both systems.”
When to Use: For global curricula.
13. PEDMAS-X – Parentheses, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction, Cross-check
Meaning: Adds an extra “X” for verifying calculations.
Example: “PEDMAS-X ensures accuracy through double-checking.”
When to Use: For STEM tests or coding calculations.
14. BRIMAS – Brackets, Roots, Indices, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Introduces square roots and indices.
Example: “Use BRIMAS when solving root-based equations.”
When to Use: In higher-level algebra or geometry.
15. GOEDMAS – Grouping, Orders, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: For equations involving multiple grouped expressions.
Example: “GOEDMAS clarifies complex multi-layered problems.”
When to Use: In advanced math or engineering.
16. DOMAS – Division, Orders, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Simplified for mental math.
Example: “DOMAS skips parentheses for quick calculations.”
When to Use: In fast arithmetic drills.
17. PENDAS – Parentheses, Exponents, Numbers, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Focuses on numerical order handling.
Example: “PENDAS highlights number grouping importance.”
When to Use: For primary education.
18. POWERS – Parentheses, Orders, Work, Exponents, Roots, Subtraction
Meaning: Combines logic and math operations.
Example: “POWERS makes math feel dynamic and intuitive.”
When to Use: For STEM learning activities.
19. MADES – Multiplication, Addition, Division, Exponents, Subtraction
Meaning: Used in mental math competitions.
Example: “Contestants often simplify sequences using MADES.”
When to Use: In competitive math challenges.
20. GRADES – Grouping, Roots, Addition, Division, Exponents, Subtraction
Meaning: Adds root operations to classic order.
Example: “GRADES reminds us that roots count as exponents.”
When to Use: In geometry or algebra.
21. CUBED – Calculations, Units, Brackets, Exponents, Division
Meaning: Focused on geometric and 3D volume problems.
Example: “For solid geometry, follow the CUBED order.”
When to Use: In geometry or physics.
22. BREADS – Brackets, Roots, Exponents, Addition, Division, Subtraction
Meaning: Easy to remember and great for young learners.
Example: “Students loved using BREADS in math class.”
When to Use: In elementary to middle school math.
23. HEMDAS – Hierarchy, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Adds hierarchy awareness to learning order.
Example: “HEMDAS emphasizes prioritizing operations logically.”
When to Use: In logical reasoning or math logic lessons.
24. POTMAS – Parentheses, Orders, Trigonometry, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Includes trigonometric operations.
Example: “POTMAS helps with trigonometric equations.”
When to Use: In advanced trigonometry.
25. BEOMAS – Brackets, Exponents, Operations, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Simplified version for younger learners.
Example: “BEOMAS was designed for middle-grade math classes.”
When to Use: In introductory algebra.
26. ROEMAS – Roots, Orders, Exponents, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Focuses on radical expressions.
Example: “Use ROEMAS for root-based problems.”
When to Use: In geometry or algebra 2.
27. GOADMAS – Grouping, Orders, Addition, Division, Multiplication, Subtraction
Meaning: A creative mnemonic emphasizing order clarity.
Example: “Teachers use GOADMAS for step-by-step solving.”
When to Use: In interactive math classes.
28. BRODAS – Brackets, Roots, Division, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Simplified version including root operations.
Example: “BRODAS helps students simplify square root problems.”
When to Use: In secondary math.
29. PRIMAS – Parentheses, Roots, Indices, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Great for combining algebra and geometry operations.
Example: “PRIMAS helps unify algebraic order.”
When to Use: In multidisciplinary math.
30. SOLMAS – Symbols, Orders, Logs, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Meaning: Adds logarithmic operations for advanced learning.
Example: “SOLMAS is useful for logarithmic simplifications.”
When to Use: In advanced algebra or calculus prep.
🧭 Choosing the Right Acronym for Order of Operation
| Region / Field | Best Acronym |
|---|---|
| U.S. & Global | PEMDAS |
| U.K. & Commonwealth | BODMAS or BIDMAS |
| Canada | BEDMAS |
| Advanced Math | BRIMAS or SOLMAS |
| Kids / Beginners | BEADS or BREADS |
| Algebra / Geometry | PRIMAS or POTMAS |
💡 Usage Tips
- Always follow grouping first, regardless of acronym style.
- Use reverse acronyms like SADMEP when solving equations backward.
- Select region-appropriate versions for standardized exams.
🏁 Conclusion
Whether you say PEMDAS, BODMAS, or BIDMAS, the idea remains the same — solving operations in the right order ensures consistent results. These 30 creative acronyms make learning easier, fun, and adaptable for different ages and math levels.
So next time you face a tricky equation, remember: there’s an acronym for that!
