Super Mario Maker maths: grid level design

Quick answer

Super Mario Maker maths helps you design levels using a grid, coordinates, and scale – just like a real map! You can plan where to place blocks, pipes, and enemies by thinking about rows and columns, and how far apart things are from each other.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use a grid and coordinates to design a level in Super Mario Maker, and how to think about space, distance, and scale when placing objects.

• You can draw a simple level on squared paper using rows and columns.
• You can place items on a grid using coordinates like (3, 4).
• You can explain how scale helps you make things bigger or smaller in your level.
• You can plan a simple level with a start, a path, and a goal.

Why this matters

Super Mario Maker maths helps you think like a game designer! When you build a level, you're using maths to make sure everything fits together just right. You're using grids to plan where things go, coordinates to know exactly where to place a pipe or a coin, and scale to make sure your level isn't too big or too small. This kind of thinking helps you in many real-life situations – like arranging furniture in your room, planning a party, or even playing football on a pitch.

How it works

Super Mario Maker uses a grid – like a big piece of squared paper. Each square has a number on it, like a map. The numbers go across (horizontal) and up and down (vertical). These are called coordinates.

1. Start with a grid – imagine a piece of squared paper.
2. Each square is numbered with a row and a column.
3. Find a square by saying its row and column – for example, row 3, column 4.
4. Place objects like blocks, coins, or pipes on the grid.
5. Use scale to make sure your level is big enough to play but not too crowded.

Examples you can see

Imagine you're making a level where Mario has to jump over gaps and collect coins. You can draw your level on squared paper.

Let’s say you want to place a coin at row 2, column 3. You would look for the square that is in row 2 and column 3. That’s where you put the coin!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build a Mario Level!

You are a level designer for a new Super Mario Maker game. You need to design a simple level with a start, a path, and a finish.

1. Draw a grid on squared paper (you can use a 5x5 grid).
2. Place the start at row 1, column 1.
3. Place a coin at row 2, column 3.
4. Place a pipe at row 4, column 2.
5. Place the finish at row 5, column 5.
6. Draw a path from start to finish, showing where Mario will jump or run.

Now, can you describe where each item is on your level? Try telling a friend or parent where the coin is, or how to get from start to finish!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing rows and columns when placing items.
• Why it happens: It's easy to get confused if you don't think carefully about which number is the row and which is the column.
• Fix: Always remember: "Row first, then column". You can practice by saying "row 3, column 4" out loud.
• Mistake: Not using a grid to plan the level.
• Why it happens: It’s fun to jump straight into building, but without a plan, things can get messy.
• Fix: Always draw a simple plan on squared paper before building.
• Mistake: Thinking scale is just about making things bigger or smaller.
• Why it happens: Scale is about how much space things take up – not just size.
• Fix: Scale means how many squares something takes up – like a block that takes up 2 squares wide and 1 square high.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child understand grid level design by:

1. Playing with a grid together – use graph paper or draw one on a whiteboard.
2. Using coordinates to play a game: ask your child to find a square by giving them a row and column.
3. Building a simple level on paper first, then trying to recreate it in a game.
4. Using real-life examples like a map or a chessboard to show how grids work.
5. Encouraging your child to talk through their level design – what items they placed and why.

Don’t worry if they make mistakes – they’re learning! The key is to keep the fun going and let them explore.

Practice questions

1. Where is the coin if it is placed at row 3, column 2?
2. Which square is at row 1, column 4?
3. If you place a pipe at row 4, column 3, where is it?
4. How many squares does a block that is 2 squares wide and 1 square high take up?
5. What is the coordinate of the start if it is at row 2, column 1?

Answers:

1. The coin is in row 3, column 2.
2. The square is at row 1, column 4.
3. The pipe is in row 4, column 3.
4. It takes up 2 squares.
5. The coordinate is (2, 1).

FAQ

What is a coordinate?

A coordinate is a way to find a specific place on a grid. It tells you the row and column of a square.

Why do I need a grid to make a level?

A grid helps you plan where to put everything so it fits together nicely and looks neat.

How do I use scale in my level?

Scale helps you decide how big or small things should be. For example, a pipe might take up 1 square, while a big block takes up 2 squares.

Can I make my level in a game without drawing it first?

Yes, but it’s easier to plan first. Drawing helps you think about where things go before you start building.

Is grid level design only for Super Mario Maker?

No! Grids are used in many games, apps, and even in real life – like maps, chess, and even building plans.