We present a series of benchmark experiments designed for testing and comparing numerical ice sheet models. Following the outcome of two EISMINTworkshops organized to intercompare large-scale ice-sheet models currently in operation, model benchmark experiments are described for ice sheets underfixed and moving margin conditions. These address both steady-state and time-dependent behavior under schematic boundary conditions and with prescribedphysics. A comparison was made of each model's prediction of basic geophysical variables such as ice thickness, velocity and temperature. Consensusachieved in the model intercomparison provides reference solutions against which the accuracy and consistency of ice-sheet modeling codes can be assessed.