Learn addition step by step
Learn addition in 10 levels, from counting two groups to adding 4-digit numbers, with a 5-question test for each level.
🧒 Kids: start at level 1. Tap Start level ▶, answer 5 questions, and get 4 right to pass. Can you reach level 10? 🏆
Which level for which grade?
There are 10 levels, from putting two groups together to adding 4-digit numbers and solving word problems. Each level has short lessons and a 5-question test; get 4 right to pass. Progress is saved on this device, so your child can come back and carry on.
| Level | Skill | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Putting together | K |
| 2 | Facts within 5 and counting on | K–1 |
| 3 | Facts within 10 | K–1 |
| 4 | Make 10 and doubles | 1 |
| 5 | Facts within 20 | 1–2 |
| 6 | Tens and hundreds | 1–2 |
| 7 | 2-digit addition | 2 |
| 8 | Regrouping | 2–3 |
| 9 | 3-digit addition and estimating | 3 |
| 10 | Big numbers and word problems | 3–4 |
Grade pages: kindergarten · 1st grade · 2nd grade · 3rd grade · 4th grade
How to use the levels
- Find the starting level. Take the tests from level 1 until your child scores under 4. That is the level to work on.
- Learn it. Open the Learn links for that level: each lesson has pictures, a parent script and practice.
- Practice for a few days. Use the tools on the lesson pages and the addition trainer.
- Retake the test. 4 out of 5 passes the level. Move on to the next one.
Levels 3 to 5 are the addition facts. They take longest, often a few weeks each, and they matter most: every later level uses them.
Why the levels are in this order
Each level uses the one before it. Children who know the facts within 10 (level 3) can use make 10 and doubles (level 4) to reach every fact within 20 (level 5).
Those facts are reused for tens and hundreds (level 6): 3 + 4 = 7, so 30 + 40 = 70 and 300 + 400 = 700. Place value then turns them into 2-digit addition (level 7), regrouping (level 8) and bigger numbers (levels 9 and 10).
When a child is stuck at a high level, the cause is usually a gap lower down. A child who keeps getting 3-digit sums wrong often has slow facts within 20, so go back and retake level 5.
More addition practice
For teachers
The levels work on a projector for a whole-class warm-up. Progress is saved only in each device’s browser, so no login or student data is needed. On shared computers, use Reset my progress at the end of the lesson.
Practice questions (answers below)
Ask these out loud or write them down. Check each answer, and ask “how did you get that?” for one or two.
- Level 1: 3 dots and 2 dots
- Level 2: 2 + ? = 5
- Level 3: 6 + 4
- Level 4: 8 + 6
- Level 5: 5 + 4 + 5
- Level 6: 40 + 50
- Level 7: 42 + 35
- Level 8: 168 + 257
- Level 9: estimate 389 + 214
- Level 10: 2,768 + 3,457
Show the answers
- 5
- 3
- 10
- 14
- 14
- 90
- 77
- 425
- 400 + 200 = 600
- 6,225
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Level chart
Print a chart of 10 boxes and colour one each time a level is passed.
Celebrate
A small reward at levels 5 and 10.
Keep facts fresh
Even at level 9, do a 1-minute speed test each week.
By grade
Check every topic at once
The free math check-up tests every topic of one grade in 10 to 20 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and where to start practicing. Levels you pass here also appear on your progress page.
More for each grade: Kindergarten math; Grade 1 math and the CBSE class 1 maths guide; Grade 2 math and the CBSE class 2 maths guide; Grade 3 math and the CBSE class 3 maths guide; Grade 4 math and the CBSE class 4 maths guide.
Worksheets and practice
Addition facts worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you learn addition step by step?
Start by putting groups together, then learn the facts within 5, 10 and 20 using counting on, make 10 and doubles. Then add tens, 2-digit numbers, regrouping, 3-digit numbers and finally big numbers and word problems.
What is the hardest part of learning addition?
Usually facts that cross 10, like 8 + 5 and 7 + 6, and then regrouping. Levels 4 and 8 focus on these.
How long does it take to learn addition?
Most children learn the facts to 20 across kindergarten to grade 2, then multi-digit addition in grades 2 to 4. Daily 10-minute practice speeds this up.
Is progress saved?
Yes, passed levels are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us.
What comes after addition?
Subtraction, which is learned alongside it, then multiplication, which is repeated addition.