Recreational mathematics

Recreational mathematics is mathematics carried out for recreation (entertainment) rather than as a strictly research-and-application-based professional activity or as a part of a student's formal education.

The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) has seventeen Special Interest Groups which includes a recreational math group called SIGMAA-Rec. The SIGMAA-Rec website defines recreational mathematics as, "...a broad term that covers many different areas including games, puzzles, magic, art, and more."

Although it is not necessarily limited to being an endeavor for amateurs, many topics in this field require no knowledge of advanced mathematics. Mathematical competitions (such as those sponsored by mathematical associations) are also categorized under recreational mathematics.