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Age 8 guide to column methods

Age-appropriate activities, explanations and practice ideas for column methods.

Quick answer

Column methods are a way to add and subtract numbers by writing them in columns, one digit above the other, and calculating from right to left. You start with the ones place, then move to the tens, hundreds, and so on.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add and subtract 2-digit numbers using column methods, showing your work clearly in neat columns and carrying or borrowing numbers when needed. Success signs:
  • You can write numbers in columns with the right digits lined up
  • You can add or subtract starting from the ones place
  • You can carry a number when adding (like when 7 + 6 = 13)
  • You can borrow a number when subtracting (like when 3 - 7 needs to borrow from the tens)

Why this matters

Column methods help you solve bigger addition and subtraction problems more easily. You might use this when working out how much money you have, how far you've walked, or how many points you scored in a game. It's a useful tool that makes big numbers feel manageable and less scary.

How it works

The column method works by writing numbers one above the other, with the ones place lined up, then the tens, then the hundreds. You work from right to left, just like reading a book. When you add or subtract, you might need to carry or borrow numbers to make the calculation easier. Here's how to do it step by step:
  1. Write the numbers one above the other, making sure the digits are lined up
  2. Start with the ones place (the rightmost column)
  3. Add or subtract the numbers in that column
  4. If you get a number bigger than 9 when adding, carry the tens to the next column
  5. If you need to subtract a larger number from a smaller one, borrow from the next column

Examples you can see

Let's try an addition problem: 45 + 27
  1. Write the numbers in columns:
    45
    + 27
  2. Start with the ones place: 5 + 7 = 12
    • Write 2 in the ones column
    • Carry 1 to the tens column
  3. Add the tens column: 4 + 2 + 1 (carried) = 7
    • Write 7 in the tens column
  4. Answer: 72
Now let's try a subtraction problem: 63 - 28
  1. Write the numbers in columns:
    63
    - 28
  2. Start with the ones place: 3 - 8
    • Since 3 is less than 8, you need to borrow from the tens
    • Take 1 from the tens (6 becomes 5) and add 10 to the ones (3 becomes 13)
    • Now 13 - 8 = 5
  3. Subtract the tens column: 5 - 2 = 3
  4. Answer: 35

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you're planning a party for your class. You need to figure out how many balloons you'll need in total. You have 34 red balloons and 29 blue balloons. How many balloons do you have altogether?
  1. Write the numbers in columns:
    34
    + 29
  2. Start with the ones place: 4 + 9 = 13
    • Write 3 in the ones column
    • Carry 1 to the tens column
  3. Add the tens column: 3 + 2 + 1 (carried) = 6
  4. Answer: 63 balloons
You can also imagine you're in a game and you have 56 points, but you lose 38 points. How many points do you have left?
  1. Write the numbers in columns:
    56
    - 38
  2. Start with the ones place: 6 - 8
    • Borrow 1 from the tens (5 becomes 4) and add 10 to the ones (6 becomes 16)
    • Now 16 - 8 = 8
  3. Subtract the tens column: 4 - 3 = 1
  4. Answer: 18 points

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Not lining up the digits correctly
    • Why it happens: You might write 45 and 27 with the 5 under the 2 instead of under the 7
    • Fix: Always make sure the ones are under the ones, the tens under the tens, and so on
  • Mistake: Forgetting to carry or borrow
    • Why it happens: You might add 7 + 6 and get 13 but forget to carry the 1
    • Fix: Always check if your answer is 10 or more when adding, and if so, carry the tens
  • Mistake: Subtracting the wrong way around
    • Why it happens: When subtracting 3 - 7, you might try to do 7 - 3 instead
    • Fix: Always remember to borrow from the next column when you need to subtract a bigger number from a smaller one

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Practising column methods with everyday examples like counting money or measuring ingredients
  • Checking that their digits are lined up correctly
  • Encouraging them to explain their steps out loud so you can hear their thinking
  • Letting them make mistakes and correct them together
  • Using games or apps that involve column methods for extra practice
It's okay if they make a few mistakes at first. Column methods take practice. Keep the mood light and positive, and focus on progress, not perfection.

Practice questions

  1. 34 + 27 = ?
  2. 56 + 18 = ?
  3. 72 - 35 = ?
  4. 81 - 47 = ?
  5. 43 + 39 = ?
  6. 65 - 28 = ?
  7. 27 + 46 = ?
  8. 93 - 54 = ?
Answers:
  1. 61
  2. 74
  3. 37
  4. 34
  5. 82
  6. 37
  7. 73
  8. 39

FAQ

What is a column method?

The column method is a way to add or subtract numbers by writing them in columns with the digits lined up. You start from the right side (ones place) and work your way to the left.

When do I need to carry numbers?

You carry numbers when adding and your total is 10 or more. For example, 7 + 6 = 13, so you write down 3 and carry 1 to the next column.

When do I need to borrow numbers?

You borrow numbers when subtracting and the top number is smaller than the bottom number. For example, 3 - 7 needs to borrow from the tens column.

How can I help my child practice?

Use everyday situations like counting toys, adding up snacks, or calculating scores in games. Make it fun and part of daily life.

Is it okay to use a calculator?

Calculators are helpful for checking your work, but learning column methods helps build a strong understanding of how numbers work.