The classification of these contest problems is not a simple task; their content is so varied and their solution-possibilities so diverse that it is difficult to pigeonhole them into a few categories. Moreover, no matter which main topics one selects, there are always borderline cases that must be cross-indexed.

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Miscellaneous Topics constitute the primary groupings. Subheadings provide a somewhat more refined classification of the problems in the four main categories, the last of which has but two subheadings, Logic and Sets. Some of the problems in these two divisions are also listed elsewhere, but others could not satisfactorily be classified in any other way.

Under Arithmetic are subsumed approximate-number and number-theoretic problems, and problems dealing with the arithmetic mean, with percentage, and with profit-and-loss; these are also cross-indexed with appropriate subheadings under Algebra. The majority of the problems listed under Geometry concern Euclidean geometry of the plane; the relatively few problems in coordinate geometry and solid geometry are also included here.

The number preceding the semicolon refers to the last two digits of the examination year and the number following the semicolon refers to the problem in that examination. For example, 59; 13 means Problem 13 in the 1959 examination.