6th grade evaluating expressions worksheets

Evaluating expressions means substituting a number for a variable and simplifying, the skill every later algebra course assumes. Sixth graders work problems like 3n + 2 when n = 4, including expressions with parentheses.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 6.EE.A.2.

A new sheet every click.

The kind of problems you'll get

Evaluate each expression for the given value.

Evaluate 2n + 4 when n = 3.
Answer: 10
Evaluate 9n − 5 when n = 9.
Evaluate 3(n + 5) when n = 4.

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

Fluency. Evaluate each expression for the given value. 10 questions per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

Have your child rewrite each expression with the number in place of the letter before computing anything: 3n + 2 with n = 4 becomes 3 × 4 + 2 on paper. That one written step prevents the classic "34" mistake. After that it's just order of operations, which they already know.

Watch for: Kids write 3n with n = 4 as the number 34. 3n means 3 × n, so substitute and multiply: 3 × 4 = 12. Substituting turns into swapping every number. Only the letter changes, and the rest of the expression stays exactly as written.

Common questions about evaluating expressions

What does 3n mean?: 3 times n. When a number sits next to a letter, the multiplication sign is left out, so 3n with n = 4 is 12.
Does my child need order of operations first?: It helps a lot. After substituting, each problem is solved with the usual order of operations, so brush up there if expressions like 3 × 4 + 2 still cause trouble.

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Aligned to Common Core 6.EE.A.2. Reviewed by the One more sheet curriculum team. Content version 123, updated July 2026.