Maths Games
Maths board games
Turn simple boards into journeys with arithmetic challenges.
Quick answer
Maths board games are fun ways to practice arithmetic skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division while playing games. They turn everyday board games into learning adventures where you solve maths problems to move forward.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use simple board games to practice maths skills like adding, subtracting, and multiplying numbers, and you'll understand how games can help you learn and remember maths facts. Success signs:- You can play a board game and solve maths problems to move forward
- You can explain how to add, subtract, or multiply numbers using game moves
- You can work out how many spaces to move by solving a maths problem
- You can play a game with a friend and help each other with maths
Why this matters
Maths board games help you learn and remember maths facts in a fun way. They make learning feel like play, which helps you stay interested and excited. Whether you're at home or at school, games help you practice maths without feeling like work. They also help you understand how maths works in real life, like when you share snacks, count your coins, or plan a trip.How it works
Maths board games use simple maths problems to help you move forward. You might roll a dice, add the numbers, or solve a problem to find out how many spaces to move. You can also use games to learn about money, time, shapes, and even fractions. Here’s how it works in steps:- You roll a dice or pick a card with a number
- You solve a maths problem using that number
- You move your piece the number of spaces shown by your answer
- You keep playing until you reach the end
Examples you can see
Let’s look at a few simple examples of how maths board games work. Example 1: Adding with dice You roll two dice. One shows 3, the other shows 4. You add them together: 3 + 4 = 7. You move 7 spaces forward. Example 2: Multiplying with counters You land on a space that says "Multiply by 2". You have 5 counters. You double them: 5 × 2 = 10. You move 10 spaces forward. Example 3: Subtracting to find out how far you are from the finish You are on space 15, and the finish is on space 20. You need to find out how many spaces to go: 20 – 15 = 5. You move 5 spaces forward. Example 4: Using arrays You land on a space that says "Make an array of 3 rows and 4 columns". You draw 3 rows of 4 stars. You count: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12. You move 12 spaces forward.Try it as a mini adventure
Let’s go on a maths adventure! Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt. You start at space 0 and need to get to the treasure at space 20. 1st time: You roll a dice and get 5. You move 5 spaces forward. 2nd time: You land on a space that says "Add 3". You move 3 spaces forward. 3rd time: You roll a dice and get 6. You move 6 spaces forward. 4th time: You land on a space that says "Multiply by 2". You have 4 spaces. You double them: 4 × 2 = 8. You move 8 spaces forward. 5th time: You land on a space that says "Subtract 5". You move 5 spaces back. 6th time: You roll a dice and get 3. You move 3 spaces forward. 7th time: You land on a space that says "Add 10". You move 10 spaces forward. You reach the treasure! You’ve solved many maths problems along the way.Common mistakes
- Mistake: Adding the dice numbers but forgetting to move the right number of spaces.
Why it happens: You may be excited about the game and forget to count carefully.
Fix: Count your spaces carefully or use a counter to help you move the right number. - Mistake: Thinking that multiplying by 0 means you don’t move.
Why it happens: You may not know that any number multiplied by 0 is 0.
Fix: Remember: 5 × 0 = 0, so you don’t move at all. - Mistake: Not understanding what the game space says.
Why it happens: You may be reading too quickly or not paying attention.
Fix: Read the space out loud and ask a friend or adult to explain if you’re not sure.
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Playing games together and asking questions like "How did you work that out?"
- Encouraging children to explain their thinking
- Using everyday games like board games, card games, or even board games at the park
- Letting children take turns and make mistakes without pressure
- Practising simple maths facts during the game, like "What is 3 + 4?" or "What is 6 × 2?"
- "Let’s see how many spaces we move together."
- "Can you tell me how you solved that problem?"
- "Let’s try again if you’re not sure."
- Children don’t need to get every answer right to learn
- It’s okay to make mistakes – they help you learn
- Playing games is more about fun than getting perfect scores
Practice questions
- You roll a dice and get 4. You add 5. How many spaces do you move?
- You land on a space that says "Multiply by 3". You have 2 spaces. How many do you move?
- You are on space 10. The finish is on space 18. How many spaces do you need to go?
- You roll a dice and get 6. You multiply by 2. How many spaces do you move?
- You land on a space that says "Add 7". You move 7 spaces. How many spaces did you start with if you end on space 12?
- 4 + 5 = 9 spaces
- 2 × 3 = 6 spaces
- 18 – 10 = 8 spaces
- 6 × 2 = 12 spaces
- 12 – 7 = 5 spaces
FAQ
What are maths board games?
Maths board games are games played on a board that include maths problems. You solve problems to move forward or collect points.
Can I make my own maths board game?
Yes! You can draw a board, add spaces with maths problems, and play with family or friends.
What maths skills can I learn from board games?
You can learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, time, money, and more.
Are board games good for learning?
Yes! They make learning fun and help children remember maths facts better.
What age is best for maths board games?
Maths board games are great for children aged 4-12. You can adjust the problems to match their level.