X Tables
addition

Addition with ten frames

Use five and ten structures to make sums visible.

Quick answer

Addition with ten frames helps you see how numbers combine by using a grid of ten boxes that fill up as you add more counters.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use ten frames to solve addition problems by seeing how numbers fit together. Success signs:
  • You can show addition problems using ten frames with counters
  • You can solve simple addition sums by filling ten frames
  • You can explain how numbers add up to ten or more
  • You can use ten frames to check your answers

Why this matters

Using ten frames helps you see how numbers work together, especially when adding numbers that go over ten. This makes it easier to understand bigger numbers and solve problems without counting on your fingers. It's used in games, cooking, sports, and even when you're saving up for a toy.

How it works

A ten frame is a grid with ten boxes, usually arranged in two rows of five. You can fill the boxes with counters or dots to show numbers. When you add numbers, you fill the boxes to see how many you have in total. If you have more than ten boxes filled, you can see how many extra you have. Let's go through how to use a ten frame for addition step by step:
  1. Start with one ten frame
  2. Fill the frame with counters to show the first number
  3. Count how many boxes are filled
  4. Take another ten frame for the second number
  5. Fill the second frame with counters
  6. Count all the counters together
  7. See how many you have in total

Examples you can see

Let's try adding 7 + 5 using ten frames. Step 1: Draw or use a ten frame to show 7.
  • Fill 7 boxes with counters or dots
  • Leave 3 boxes empty
Step 2: Draw or use another ten frame to show 5.
  • Fill 5 boxes with counters or dots
  • Leave 5 boxes empty
Step 3: Count all the counters together.
  • You have 7 + 5 = 12 counters
Here's another example with 6 + 8: Step 1: Fill one ten frame with 6 counters.
  • 6 boxes filled, 4 empty
Step 2: Fill another ten frame with 8 counters.
  • 8 boxes filled, 2 empty
Step 3: Count all the counters.
  • 6 + 8 = 14

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Fruit Shop You are a fruit shop owner who needs to count how many apples and oranges you have in total. You have a magic ten frame that shows your fruits.
  1. First, you have 6 apples. Fill your ten frame with 6 apples.
  2. Then, you get 7 more oranges. Add 7 oranges to your ten frame.
  3. How many fruits do you have altogether?
Answer: 6 + 7 = 13 fruits You can also try this with different numbers:
  • 5 + 9 = ?
  • 8 + 4 = ?
  • 3 + 10 = ?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 5 + 5 = 10, but then adding 1 more to get 11. Why it happens: Confusing the idea of counting one more after making ten. Fix: Use two ten frames to show 5 + 5 = 10, then add one more to show 11.
  • Mistake: Not filling all the boxes in the first ten frame before starting the second. Why it happens: Not understanding that ten frames are about groups of ten. Fix: Fill one ten frame completely before starting the second one.
  • Mistake: Counting the empty boxes instead of the filled ones. Why it happens: Not focusing on the full boxes. Fix: Always count the filled boxes, not the empty ones.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using real counters like beans, buttons, or pasta to fill ten frames
  • Playing with ten frames during snack time or bath time
  • Encouraging children to explain their thinking
  • Using ten frames to show numbers in different ways
  • Letting children make up their own addition problems
For 5-10 minutes of practice:
  1. Draw two ten frames on paper
  2. Fill them with counters to show an addition problem
  3. Count together to find the total
  4. Try different combinations like 4 + 6, 7 + 3, 9 + 2
Don't worry if your child makes mistakes. They're learning and it's okay to try again.

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 + 4 using ten frames?
  2. What is 6 + 5 using ten frames?
  3. What is 8 + 3 using ten frames?
  4. What is 9 + 2 using ten frames?
  5. What is 7 + 6 using ten frames?
Answers:
  1. 3 + 4 = 7
  2. 6 + 5 = 11
  3. 8 + 3 = 11
  4. 9 + 2 = 11
  5. 7 + 6 = 13

FAQ

What is a ten frame?

A ten frame is a grid with ten boxes, usually arranged in two rows of five. It helps you see how numbers fit together and makes addition easier to understand.

How do I use a ten frame for addition?

You fill the boxes with counters or dots to show each number. Then you count all the filled boxes to find the total.

Why is ten frames helpful?

They help you see how numbers work together, especially when you're adding numbers that go over ten. This makes bigger numbers easier to understand.

Can I use ten frames with any numbers?

Yes! You can use ten frames with any addition problems. If you have more than ten counters, you can use more than one ten frame.

How can I make my own ten frames?

You can draw a grid with ten boxes on paper, use counters or beans to fill them, or print out ten frame templates from online.