numeracy

Numeracy describes a practical, functional competence with numbers rather than a theoretical or advanced mathematical knowledge. While mathematics is the broad academic study of numbers and shapes, numeracy is the applied skill required to navigate daily life, such as budgeting, reading a timetable, or calculating a discount during shopping.

This term is frequently used in educational and policy contexts to describe a baseline level of literacy in mathematics. It is an uncountable noun, meaning it does not have a plural form and cannot be counted with numbers; instead, it is measured in terms of levels or degrees of proficiency.