These order of operations worksheets with nested parentheses give students practice working through more complex expressions using PEMDAS. Each printable worksheet includes problems that feature two or more layers of parentheses, helping learners apply the order of operations.
These worksheets are well‑suited for upper‑elementary and middle‑school students, or for anyone ready to move beyond basic parentheses and strengthen their problem‑solving skills. Answer keys are included with every worksheet, making it simple for teachers, parents, tutors, and homeschool educators to check work or walk through each solution.
What is PEMDAS?
PEMDAS is the standard order of operations used in math: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
Worksheet 1 Worksheet 2 Worksheet 3 Worksheet 4Developing a strong understanding of the order of operations is crucial for helping students solve math problems with accuracy and consistency. Using a defined sequence of steps allows students to solve expressions reliably to reach the correct answer.
Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Lesson
When evaluating mathematical expressions, use the order of operations to determine which calculations to perform first. The acronym PEMDAS serves as a simple way to remember the correct sequence and avoid common mistakes.
P – Parentheses: Solve anything inside parentheses or brackets first.
E – Exponents: Evaluate powers or square roots next.
M/D – Multiplication and Division: Work from left to right.
A/S – Addition and Subtraction: Work from left to right.
Example: Evaluate [8 x (9 – 1)] – 16 x 2 + 5
Brackets are often used with nested parentheses but follow the same rules.
Evaluate the expression in the innermost parentheses first.
[8 x (9 – 1)] – 16 x 2 + 5 ➜ [8 x (8)] – 16 x 2 + 5
Evaluate the expression in the remaining parentheses.
(8 x 8) – 16 x 2 + 5 ➜ (64) – 16 x 2 + 5
Multiply (and divide if present) from left to right.
64 – 16 x 2 + 5 ➜ 64 – 32 + 5
Add and subtract from left to right.
64 – 32 + 5 ➜ 32 + 5 ➜ 37
For more practice using PEMDAS, we have additional worksheets using only a single set of parentheses in the expressions.
For more practice or help with other pre-algebra topics, try our workbooks.
Related Worksheets
Distributing and Combining Like Terms Worksheets for Pre-Algebra
Download our free worksheets for practice distributing and combining like terms with variables. For more practice or detailed explanation on expressions and equations, try our Pre-Algebra Skill Building Workbook. Topics include: solving 1 step equations and 2 step equations, negative
Order of Operations Worksheets: Beginner Level (No Parentheses – 2 Operations)
These worksheets provide practice with the order of operations using straightforward, two‑operation expressions. Each problem includes three numbers and combines addition or subtraction with multiplication or division, giving students a simple introduction to using the correct order of operations. Some
Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators – Worksheets with Answers
Download these free, printable PDF worksheets for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, complete with answer keys. Each problem involves adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students are given horizontal space to rewrite and solve the expressions using
Statistics Worksheets: Minimum, Maximum, Mean, Median, Mode, Range
These free printable statistics worksheets help students practice calculating the minimum, maximum, mean, median, mode, and range for different sets of numbers. Each worksheet includes four data sets and space for students to show their work. These printables are ideal
Basic Probability Worksheets
These basic probability worksheets introduce students to the foundations of probability using simple shapes and easy counting tasks. Each worksheet includes a box of shapes and a series of questions that guide students through identifying outcomes, comparing quantities, and calculating
Order of Operations (PEMDAS) – Reference Sheet
This Order of Operations (PEMDAS) printable is a visual reference designed to help students understand the correct sequence for solving math expressions. The guide clearly breaks down each step – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction –