No. 13of 25 ·Financial Literacy Apps

HowTheMarketWorks

Web

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Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.4

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

HowTheMarketWorks is ranked #13 of 25 in financial literacy apps on Freedom251. It runs on Web. There is a free plan.

HowTheMarketWorks plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free Free forever · supported by advertising · custom contests · US stocks and mutual funds · basic research tools · 50 built-in investing and personal finance lessons · free $100K practice portfolio howthemarketworks.com · 9 Oct 2026

Compared on financial literacy apps

Free plan: Yes
Investing lessons: Yes
Financial simulations: Yes

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The record

What it does: HowTheMarketWorks is a free stock market simulation where users practice investing with virtual money and real market data.
Classroom use: Teachers can create private classroom contests and customize dates, starting cash, commissions, and trading rules.
Virtual cash: New users receive $100,000 in virtual cash.
Education: The site provides built-in investing lessons and access to lessons and videos in its Education Center.
Teacher tools: Teachers can track student performance, assign lessons, and generate reports.
Assignments: Teachers can create assignments with tasks such as watching videos, reading articles, using calculators, and placing trades, with start and due dates.
Trading limits: HowTheMarketWorks does not feature derivatives trading; advanced derivatives and other security types are offered by its separate premium products.
Data and quote delay: Quote data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided by XIGNITE and QuoteMedia.
Student privacy: The site says it supports CSPA, FERPA, and COPPA compliance and can provide schools or districts with a signed Data Privacy Agreement.
Support: HowTheMarketWorks users can contact support at [email protected] or access the teacher and student FAQs.
Who it serves: The site describes HowTheMarketWorks as a free stock game designed for schools and identifies K-12 classrooms as its audience.
Maker: HowTheMarketWorks is a product of Stock-Trak, Inc. and was created in 2004.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Financial Literacy Apps in 2026#13 of 25

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Sources

howthemarketworks.com· checked 9 Oct 2026
howthemarketworks.com/teachers-guide/start-here/· checked 9 Oct 2026
howthemarketworks.com/getting-started/· checked 9 Oct 2026
stocktrak.com/contact-us/· checked 9 Oct 2026
howthemarketworks.com/about-us/· checked 9 Oct 2026