The ability to solve word problems in different areas of elementary mathematics plays a crucial role in fostering logical thinking, strengthening reading comprehension, and enhancing students’ capacity to apply knowledge to real-life situations. Among the key mathematical topics at the elementary level is the concept of ratio and proportion. This study aimed to explore the challenges students face in solving word problems related to ratio and proportion at the end of elementary school, employing a qualitative, task-based interview approach. The participants included seven sixth-grade graduates who voluntarily completed five designed tasks. Following the transcription of the interviews, inductive content analysis was conducted, resulting in the identification of 15 sub-themes grouped into five main themes including difficulty in reading problems, lack of independence in the problem-solving process, difficulties in understanding and processing problems, weaknesses in basic operations, and conceptual difficulties with ratio and proportion. Based on these findings, the study concludes with recommendations for improving teaching strategies and designing instructional programs that better address students’ actual learning needs.