A persistent confidence gap
The data paints a striking picture of financial inequality:
- Low confidence in numbers: 17% of women reported low confidence in working with numbers, nearly triple that of men (6%).
- Decision-making doubts: 77% of women feel confident making financial decisions, compared to 88% of men.
- Perceived value of numeracy: Just over half of women (56%) believe improving their number skills could boost their financial situation, compared to 65% of men.
Talking about money still a taboo
The research also found that women feel significantly less comfortable discussing money:
- Only 20% of women feel comfortable discussing finances, compared to 28% of men.
- Just 21% of women say they enjoy talking about money, making open financial conversations less likely compared to 30% of men.
Interestingly, while women show lower confidence overall, they are slightly less likely to have missed a payment due to a misunderstanding (9% vs. 13%), suggesting a more cautious approach to managing money.
Greater financial strain and debt burden
The study also reveals that women face more pressure when it comes to bills, budgeting, and debt:
- Only 20% of women say they’ve never had difficulties with bills or loan agreements, compared to 28% of men.
- Just 30% of women say they never run short of money before payday, compared to 38% of men.
- Women are more likely to be carrying student loan debt (38% vs. 20% of men), contributing to longer-term financial strain.
Call to action: Build number confidence
Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, said:
"This new data shows that overall women are less likely to feel comfortable, capable, or in control when it comes to numbers, and that can have serious implications for their financial well-being and independence.
"Numerous studies show there is no gender component to maths ability, and our research shows that building confidence is the dominant factor linked to improving numeracy skills.
"These findings reinforce the need for targeted, practical interventions to support women in building number confidence and engaging with money in relevant, accessible and empowering ways."
Rachel Riley, National Numeracy Ambassador, said:
"Too many women are still being held back by a lack of confidence with numbers, and it’s costing them. This isn’t about ability, it’s about belief. Numeracy and financial confidence go hand in hand, and when we help people build number confidence, we’re also giving them the tools to take control of their money and their future."
National Numeracy Day 2025: 'The Money Edition'
National Numeracy Day 2025, taking place today, has a theme ‘The Money Edition’ for the first time ever to highlight the vital role numeracy plays in managing personal finances. The campaign includes:
- A live online assembly hosted by TV maths teacher Bobby Seagull, with interactive activities for primary schools.
- The Big Number Natter – a UK-wide conversation about our feelings towards numbers.
- Celebrity support from Martin Lewis, Rachel Riley, Katya Jones, and Denise Welch.
Free tools and resources for adults and children are available at https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday including a drawing competition for kids and the National Numeracy Challenge, a free online tool to help people improve their number confidence at their own pace.
Whether you're budgeting, paying bills, or saving for the future, confidence with numbers matters – and it’s never too late to build it.
Research conducted by 72Point (OnePoll) on behalf of National Numeracy and KPMG UK, surveying 2,000 UK adults between 2–8 May 2025.
Photo: Rachel Riley speaking at the launch of the Numeracy for Gender Equality recommendations
