At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: Kumon vs Mathnasium
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Kumon and Mathnasium are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Education & Children sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Kumon has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Kumon has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Kumon charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Mathnasium leads with a 75/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $67K | $115K |
| Max Investment | $146K | $149K |
| Franchise Fee | $2K | $49K |
| Royalty Rate | 0.0% | 10.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 0.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $350K | $400K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 26,000 | 1,100 |
| Annual Growth | -0.5% | 4.0% |
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 67/100 | 75/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 66 | 22 |
| Years Franchising | 46 | 19 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $150K | $200K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $70K | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Kumon | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 3 | 6 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 2 |
📄 Downloadable Report
Get This Comparison as PDF — $19
Investment breakdown · Payback timeline · Royalty drag analysis · 5-year projected return · Red flags. Delivered instantly to your email. No account required.
🔒 Secure Stripe checkout · Instant email delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kumon or Mathnasium a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Kumon has 26,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Mathnasium has 1,100 total units and a 75/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Kumon franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Kumon franchise requires an initial investment of $67K – $146K. The franchise fee is $2K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Mathnasium franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Mathnasium franchise requires an initial investment of $115K – $149K. The franchise fee is $49K, with ongoing royalties of 10.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Kumon vs Mathnasium?
Kumon's royalty rate is 0.0%. Mathnasium's royalty rate is 10.0%. That means Kumon has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Kumon or Mathnasium?
Kumon has 26,000 total units. Mathnasium has 1,100 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Kumon or Mathnasium semi-absentee friendly?
Kumon is typically run as a owner-operator model. Mathnasium is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
📄 Instant PDF Report
Get Full Analysis as PDF
Investment breakdown, payback timeline, royalty drag, 5-year return & red flags — sent to your email.
Get PDF — $19 →No account · Instant delivery · Stripe secure
Get Personalized AI Matching
See which franchise fits your budget, lifestyle, and goals — not just which has better raw numbers.
Start Free →Compare Up to 4 Franchises
Our full comparison tool adds personalized fit scores, FDD insights, and territory availability.
Open Comparison Tool