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Albert Einstein earned top marks in mathematics, including algebra and geometry.

The Claim

Einstein flunked math in school.

Verified by Lenz ·

The Short Version

The claim is not supported by the historical record. Einstein’s documented school results show very strong performance in mathematics, including top marks in algebra and geometry. The persistent myth appears to come from confusion about a failed entrance exam in other subjects and from later retellings, not from evidence that he flunked math in school.

Caveats

  • Do not confuse Einstein’s failed Zurich Polytechnic entrance exam with failing mathematics; he reportedly performed well in math and physics.
  • Primary school records outweigh viral anecdotes, motivational myths, blogs, and unsourced videos.
  • Some versions of the myth stem from grading-scale confusion, which can invert the meaning of his marks.

The Receipts

  1. One Good Fact about Einstein

    Encyclopædia Britannica

  2. Einstein’s Aargau Cantonal School Report Card (Matura Certificate), 3 October 1896

    Einstein Papers Project / Princeton University Press

  3. 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Albert Einstein

    History.com

  4. Did Einstein Really Fail Math?

    Ripley Entertainment

  5. Did Einstein Fail Mathematics?

    Physics Van - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  6. Myth debunked: Did Einstein fail maths?

    Times of Malta

  7. 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Albert Einstein

    History.com (A+E Networks)

  8. 10 Things You May Not Know About Albert Einstein

    History.com

  9. Albert Einstein

    Biography.com

  10. Science myths: did Einstein fail his fourth grade math class?

    The Economy of Meaning

+ 5 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

Albert Einstein

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