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Maths Games

Addition games with dice

Practise addition facts through quick, repeatable dice games.

Quick answer

Addition games with dice help children practice adding numbers quickly and confidently by using dice to create fun, hands-on math activities that build number sense and mental maths skills.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add numbers quickly using dice, and you will know how to use dice to make your own fun addition games. Success signs:
  • You can roll two dice and add the numbers together in less than 10 seconds
  • You can make up your own dice game using addition
  • You can spot patterns in dice numbers when adding
  • You can play a dice game with a friend or family member

Why this matters

Dice games with addition are a great way to practice maths without feeling like a test. When you play addition games with dice, you're building your mental maths skills, which help you solve problems faster in school and everyday life. You'll use this skill when you're sharing snacks, counting your pocket money, or even when you're playing a board game with friends.

How it works

Addition games with dice are simple to start:
  1. Roll two dice
  2. Look at the numbers on the top faces
  3. Add them together
  4. Record your answer or say it out loud
The more you play, the faster you'll get at adding. You can even make up your own rules to make it more exciting!

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you're playing a dice game. Here’s how it works:
  • You roll a dice and get a 4
  • Your friend rolls a dice and gets a 2
  • You add them together: 4 + 2 = 6
Here’s another example:
  • You roll a dice and get a 3
  • Your dice shows a 5
  • So 3 + 5 = 8
You can even use more than two dice! If you roll three dice and get 2, 4, and 1, you add them: 2 + 4 + 1 = 7.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Dice Race You are a detective who needs to solve puzzles to find a treasure. Each puzzle gives you two dice to roll. You must add the numbers to find the next clue.
  1. 1st time: Roll dice and add 3 + 4 = ?
  2. 2nd time: Roll dice and add 6 + 2 = ?
  3. 3rd time: Roll dice and add 5 + 5 = ?
  4. 4th time: Roll dice and add 1 + 6 = ?
  5. 5th time: Roll dice and add 2 + 3 = ?
Can you solve all the puzzles to find the treasure?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 6 + 6 = 11
  • Why it happens: Confusing addition with multiplication or forgetting that 6 + 6 = 12
  • Fix: Use your fingers or draw dots to show 6 + 6 = 12
  • Mistake: Not counting all the dots on the dice
  • Why it happens: Looking quickly and missing one or two dots
  • Fix: Count the dots carefully, one by one, or use a dice with clear numbers
  • Mistake: Adding 1 + 1 = 3
  • Why it happens: Thinking that adding means to multiply
  • Fix: Remember that adding means to put things together, not to make them bigger

Parent and carer guide

Playing addition games with dice is a fun way to help your child learn maths at home. Here’s how you can support them:
  • Roll the dice together and add the numbers
  • Ask your child to explain how they got their answer
  • Make up your own dice games with your child
  • Use dice to play board games that involve addition
  • Encourage your child to play the dice game at least 5 times a day
If your child makes a mistake, don’t worry. It’s normal to make mistakes when learning. Instead, help them by using their fingers or drawing dots to show the correct way to add.

Practice questions

  1. Roll two dice. What is 4 + 3?
  2. Roll two dice. What is 6 + 2?
  3. Roll two dice. What is 5 + 5?
  4. Roll two dice. What is 1 + 6?
  5. Roll two dice. What is 3 + 4?
Answers:
  1. 7
  2. 8
  3. 10
  4. 7
  5. 7

FAQ

What is the best way to learn addition with dice?

The best way is to play games regularly with dice. Try rolling the dice and adding the numbers together. The more you do it, the faster and better you’ll get.

Can I use more than two dice?

Yes! You can use three or more dice. Just add all the numbers together. For example, if you roll 2, 3, and 4, add them: 2 + 3 + 4 = 9.

How can I make dice games more fun?

You can make up your own rules for the game, like “If you roll a 7, you get a point.” You can also play with friends or family and see who can add the fastest.

Are dice games good for learning maths?

Yes! Dice games help children practice addition in a fun and engaging way. They help build mental maths skills and make learning feel less like work.

What should I do if my child is struggling with addition?

Use physical objects like counters or fingers to help them add. You can also try games that involve counting, such as rolling dice and adding the numbers. Be patient and encourage your child to try again.