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Doubles addition facts

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Doubles addition facts

Learn doubles through pairs, mirrors and arrays.

Quick answer

Doubles addition facts are when you add the same number to itself, like 3 + 3 = 6 or 5 + 5 = 10. These are super easy to learn because they're like counting pairs or mirror images.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know your doubles addition facts from 0 + 0 to 12 + 12, and you'll be able to use them quickly in maths problems. Success signs:

You can say the answer to any doubles fact from 0 + 0 to 12 + 12 without counting
You can spot doubles in real-life situations
You can use doubles to help solve bigger addition problems
You can draw or show doubles using objects or pictures

Why this matters

Doubles are like secret maths shortcuts! When you know your doubles, you can solve addition problems faster. For example, if you know that 6 + 6 = 12, then 6 + 7 = 13 is just one more. Doubles also help you understand multiplication later on, because 3 × 2 is the same as 3 + 3. In games, sports, and everyday life, you'll use doubles all the time – like when you're sharing cookies or counting your team's points.

How it works

Doubles are simple: you just add the same number twice. Think of it like:

Two hands with the same number of fingers
Two groups with the same number of things
A mirror image of the same number

The pattern goes like this:

0 + 0 = 0
1 + 1 = 2
2 + 2 = 4
3 + 3 = 6
4 + 4 = 8
5 + 5 = 10
6 + 6 = 12
7 + 7 = 14
8 + 8 = 116
9 + 9 = 18
10 + 10 = 20
11 + 11 = 22
12 + 12 = 24

Examples you can see

Let's look at some fun ways to see doubles. Example 1: Counting pairs If you have 3 apples in one hand and 3 apples in the other hand, how many apples do you have altogether?

3 + 3 = 6 apples

Example 2: Drawing arrays Imagine you're drawing a rectangle with 4 rows and 4 columns of dots.

Each row has 4 dots
There are 4 rows
So 4 + 4 = 8 dots

Example 3: Mirror images If you look in a mirror and see 5 toys, how many toys are there in total?

5 + 5 = 10 toys

Example 4: Real-world doubles If you're making a necklace with 6 beads and you want to make two necklaces like that, how many beads do you need?

6 + 6 = 12 beads

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Doubles Detective You are a detective who needs to solve a mystery about doubles! You have a secret code that says "Double the number of stars you see in the sky and you'll find the treasure!"

1st time: You see 2 stars – so 2 + 2 = 4 stars
2nd time: You see 4 stars – so 4 + 4 = 8 stars
3rd time: You see 6 stars – so 6 + 6 = 12 stars
4th time: You see 8 stars – so 8 + 8 = 16 stars
5th time: You see 10 stars – so 10 + 10 = 20 stars

Now you've found a treasure map! What number do you need to count to next to find the final treasure? What's 12 + 12?

Common mistakes

Mistake: Thinking 5 + 5 = 10, but then confusing it with 5 + 6 = 11.
Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when you're adding one more.
Fix: Remember that 5 + 5 = 10, so 5 + 6 = 11 is just one more than 10.
Mistake: Forgetting that 0 + 0 = 0.
Why it happens: Zero can be tricky because it seems like nothing.
Fix: Think of 0 + 0 like having no apples in both hands – that's still zero apples!
Mistake: Counting on fingers instead of using the doubles fact.
Why it happens: It's hard to remember facts when you're still counting.
Fix: Practice saying the doubles facts out loud or write them down until they stick!

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers, here's how you can help your child learn doubles:

Use everyday moments: When you're shopping, ask "If you buy 3 apples and I buy 3 apples, how many apples do we have?"
Play games: Try a game where you both say doubles facts out loud. If you say 7 + 7, your child says 14. If they say 9 + 9, you say 18.
Use visual aids: Draw pictures or use counters to show doubles.
Make it fun: Sing a doubles song or use clapping to help remember.
Don't worry if it takes time: Some children need more practice. That's totally normal!

Practice questions

What is 4 + 4?
What is 7 + 7?
What is 9 + 9?
What is 11 + 11?
What is 0 + 0?
What is 12 + 12?
What is 3 + 3?
What is 6 + 6?
What is 8 + 8?
What is 10 + 10?

Answers:

FAQ

What are doubles in maths?

Doubles are when you add the same number to itself. For example, 5 + 5 = 10 or 3 + 3 = 6.

Why are doubles important?

Doubles help you add numbers faster. Once you know them, you can use them to solve bigger problems. For example, if you know 6 + 6 = 12, then 6 + 7 = 13 is just one more!

How can I remember doubles?

You can remember doubles by:

Repeating them out loud
Using objects like counters or toys
Playing games with doubles
Looking for doubles in your daily life

What is 0 + 0?

0 + 0 = 0. This is because there are no items in either group.

How do doubles help with multiplication?

Doubles are a building block for multiplication. For example, 4 × 2 is the same as 4 + 4, which is 8. So doubles help you understand how multiplication works!