What is the make 10 strategy?

To add a number like 8 + 5, fill the first number up to 10 (8 + 2), then add what is left (3): 10 + 3 = 13. It works for every fact that crosses 10.

What grade is this make 10 worksheet for?

It is written for grade 1 and matches Common Core standards K.OA.A.4, 1.OA.C.6.

Can I get a different version of this make 10 worksheet?

Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new make 10 worksheet with different numbers every time, with its own answer key.

Make 10 worksheets

Making 10 for grade 1: ten frames, pairs that make 10, then the make 10 strategy for facts like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.

Download the free make 10 worksheet (PDF)

Make 10 worksheet

PDF · US Letter · Grade 1 · 44 questions · answer key included

Download the PDF

What’s on the worksheet

44 questions on make 10, sized for US Letter paper
2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
Written for grade 1, matching Common Core K.OA.A.4, 1.OA.C.6
Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work

Sample questions from this worksheet

8 + 4 =
9 + 5 =
7 + 4 =
9 + 6 =
7 + 9 =
6 + 7 =

Preview the worksheet and answer key

Make a new make 10 worksheet

Need another page for extra practice, a retake or a second group in class? The free Mathify Kids test maker builds a fresh make 10 worksheet with different numbers every time. Choose how many questions, print it with its own answer key, or let your child take it on screen and see the score straight away.

Make a new version

Make 10: a worked example (8 + 5 using make 10)

8 needs 2 more to make 10.
Split 5 into 2 and 3.
8 + 2 = 10, and 10 + 3 = 13. So 8 + 5 = 13.

What each part practices

Part A (questions 1–12): Ten frames with some counters. How many more make 10?
Part B (13–24): Pairs that make 10 written as missing numbers, in both orders.
Part C (25–32): The make 10 strategy written out: 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13.
Part D (33–44): Facts that cross 10, to practice the strategy without the steps.

The answer key on the last page lists every answer in order, so a grown-up or an older child can mark the sheet in a couple of minutes.

How to use it at home and in class

At home

Practice the pairs that make 10 out loud first: “7 and…?” “3!” Then the make-10 questions feel easy. Ten problems a day works better than a whole sheet at once. Mark them together with the answer key, then ask your child to explain one they got wrong: finding the mistake themselves is where the learning happens.

In class

Use the first row as a warm-up, a full page for independent practice, or five questions as an exit ticket. For a retake or a second group, make a new version with the test maker so every child gets different numbers.

Mistakes to watch for

Splitting the second number the wrong way (8 + 5 = 8 + 3 + 2).
Not knowing the pairs that make 10 yet, so the strategy is slow.

What to practice before and after make 10

Before: number line addition. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
After: doubles facts, once this one is mostly right.
Learn it first: the make 10 lesson and the addition chart.