What is a number square?

It’s literally a square filled with numbers. Yes, it’s that simple!

What numbers are in it?

The numbers are normally sequential. Younger children will often use a number square with numbers from one to 20. You'll also commonly see number squares from one to 100. The numbers are typed in numerals (1, 2, 3 etc). You might also see number squares called a ‘100 grid’ or a ‘multiplication grid’ - the latter specifically helps children with their times tables.

Not all number squares start at the number ‘1’. Some will start with different numbers, for example if your child is learning about hundreds, tens and ones.

How does a number square help learning?

It's a really simple way to help children do addition, multiplication and subtraction. Children can use the grid to count up or down a certain amount of numbers and also to count ahead to find the next multiplication or sequence of numbers and to identify prime numbers. The squares can be shaded or coloured in which makes it more fun for children.

Number squares can also be used to help children recognise patterns, such as sequencing. This is where the count goes up in a certain amount of numbers each time, for example, in the times tables.

Many games use number squares - just think of Snakes and Ladders. So why not try playing this at home to support your child’s learning?

So what's a number line?

What it says on the tin - a line of numbers. Children use these when learning basic addition. The numbers are written in a line and using a finger, or a counter, children can count in 'hops' to get the correct answer to a simple sum.

Your child will almost certainly bring home examples of both number lines and number squares to use with their maths homework.

Other resources:

Download TheSchoolRun’s 1 to 100 number square.