There is no universally agreed definition, but at National Numeracy we define numeracy as:Numeracy is having the confidence to use basic maths at work and in everyday life.So, numeracy means two things: having basic maths skills AND feeling confident in using them.At National Numeracy, we believe that it is confidence that unlocks our numeracy skills. Many adults avoid using maths, just because they don't feel confident, or even feel anxious about it. Numeracy is about being confident with the numbers and data that can crop up in daily life.Numeracy is:Numeracy is not:Feeling confident with numbers at work, in the news, on payslip, with your children, and when managing your money.Feeling pressure to work things out quickly.Feeling able to apply for a new job, or training, that involves numbers or data.Memorising methods or times tables.Using a calculator to work something out, or knowing what to Google... and being able to tell if you get a sensible answer.Being afraid to get something...
