X Tables
Super Mario Maker Maths

Super Mario Maker level grids maths mission

A practical mini-mission using level grids to practise coordinates through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

By using Super Mario Maker level grids, you can learn to find and describe positions using coordinates (x and y) – like a game map!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use a grid to find and describe positions using coordinates (x and y), like a map in Super Mario Maker. Success signs:
  • You can say where a character is on a grid using numbers.
  • You can make your own grid and place items in specific spots.
  • You can describe where things are in a game or a picture using x and y.
  • You can play a simple game using grid coordinates to find hidden items.

Why this matters

Understanding how to use coordinates helps you in many fun places! In Super Mario Maker, you need to know where to place blocks, coins, or enemies so your level works. In real life, you use coordinates when you read a map, play board games, or even when you’re looking for your lost toy. Coordinates help you find exactly where something is – and that’s super useful!

How it works

Think of a grid like a big piece of paper with lines crossing it. The lines go up and down (called the y-axis) and side to side (called the x-axis). When you want to find a spot, you look at the numbers on both lines. For example, if you want to find the spot at position (3, 4), you go across 3 steps on the x line, then up 4 steps on the y line.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are building a level in Super Mario Maker. You have a grid that is 5 steps wide and 5 steps tall.
X (horizontal) 1 2 3 4 5
Y (vertical) ? ? ? ? ?
2 ? ? ? ? ?
3 ? ? ? ? ?
4 ? ? ? ? ?
5 ? ? ? ? ?
Now, let’s say you want to place a coin at position (2, 3). That means:
  • Go 2 steps to the right on the x-axis
  • Go 3 steps up on the y-axis
You can imagine placing a coin where those two lines meet.

Try it as a mini adventure

Mini Adventure: Mario’s Secret Treasure Hunt You are helping Mario find a treasure chest in Super Mario Maker. Here’s how it works:
  1. Draw a grid that is 6 steps wide and 6 steps tall.
  2. Place a treasure chest at position (4, 5).
  3. Place a coin at position (1, 2).
  4. Place a goomba at position (6, 1).
  5. Now, can you find the treasure chest if someone tells you the coordinates?
Challenge: Can you describe where each item is using coordinates? For example: “The treasure chest is at (4, 5).”

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Getting confused about which axis is which.
    Why it happens: The x-axis is horizontal (left to right) and the y-axis is vertical (up and down).
    Fix: Remember: “X is for the cross (horizontal), Y is for the yawn (vertical).”
  • Mistake: Writing the coordinates in the wrong order.
    Why it happens: For example, writing (5, 3) instead of (3, 5).
    Fix: Always remember: “First comes the x, then the y.”
  • Mistake: Thinking that (0, 0) is the top-left corner.
    Why it happens: It’s common to think that (0, 0) is where the grid starts.
    Fix: In Super Mario Maker, (0, 0) is usually the bottom-left corner. You can try it on your grid!

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Using a grid paper to draw their own Super Mario Maker level.
  • Playing a game where you call out coordinates and they place a toy or sticker on the grid.
  • Looking at maps together and pointing out where things are using x and y.
  • Practicing with a simple grid and asking your child to describe where items are.
  • Encouraging them to draw their own level and use coordinates to place items.
How long to practice: 5–10 minutes a day is enough to build confidence. You can do one mini challenge each day. What to say: “Can you find the coin at (2, 3)?” or “Where is the goomba?” What not to worry about: It’s normal to get confused at first. Keep it fun and keep practicing.

Practice questions

  1. Where is the coin at (3, 4) on a 5x5 grid?
  2. Place a star at (1, 1). What are its coordinates?
  3. If you go to (5, 2), which row and column are you in?
  4. What are the coordinates of the bottom-left corner of a 6x6 grid?
  5. Draw a 4x4 grid and place a mushroom at (2, 3). Where is it?
Answers:
  1. The coin is at the 3rd column and 4th row.
  2. The star is at (1, 1).
  3. You are in the 5th column and 2nd row.
  4. The bottom-left corner is at (0, 0).
  5. The mushroom is in the 2nd column and 3rd row.

FAQ

What are coordinates?

Coordinates are two numbers that show where something is on a grid. The first number is the x-coordinate (horizontal), and the second is the y-coordinate (vertical).

How do I remember which axis is which?

Think of the x-axis like a cross (horizontal) and the y-axis like a yawn (vertical). Or, remember: “X is for cross, Y is for yawn.”

Why do we use grids in Super Mario Maker?

Grids help you plan where to place blocks, enemies, and coins so your level works well and is fun to play.

Can I use coordinates in real life?

Yes! You can use coordinates when reading a map, playing board games, or even when you’re looking for your lost toy.

What if I make a mistake with coordinates?

That’s okay! Practice makes progress. Try again, and remember: “First comes the x, then the y.”