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Maths Games

Maths memory game

Match pairs such as equation and answer, fraction and picture or shape and name.

Quick answer

A maths memory game helps you learn by matching pairs like equations and answers, fractions and pictures, or shapes and names. It’s a fun way to remember maths facts and build your maths skills.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to play a maths memory game and use it to learn and remember maths facts better. Success signs:
  • You can match pairs of maths facts and answers
  • You can explain why a pair matches
  • You can play a maths memory game with a friend or family member
  • You can create your own maths memory game

Why this matters

Maths memory games help you learn maths facts faster and better. When you play a memory game, your brain remembers better because it has to think and connect ideas. You might be matching numbers, shapes, or even word problems. These games help you remember things like:
  • What 6 x 7 is
  • Which shape is a hexagon
  • How to write a fraction like ½
  • What time 3 o’clock looks like on a clock
Memory games are useful because they help you remember maths facts for tests, everyday life, and future maths learning. You might use these skills when shopping, cooking, or playing games.

How it works

A maths memory game works like this:
  1. Put cards face down on a table
  2. Flip over two cards at a time
  3. Look for matching pairs like 6 x 7 and 42
  4. If they match, keep them. If not, flip them back
  5. Keep playing until all pairs are found
The more you play, the better you get at spotting matches quickly. You can make the game harder by using more cards or more complex maths facts.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of pairs you might find in a maths memory game: Maths Memory Game Pairs
Card 1 Card 2 Match Type
3 x 4 12 Equation and Answer
¼ Fraction and Picture
Circle Shape and Name
2 + 3 5 Equation and Answer
50p 50 pence Money and Name
You can also play with:
  • Numbers and their names: "5" and "five"
  • Time and clocks: "Quarter past 3" and a clock showing 3:15
  • Shapes and their properties: "Triangle" and a triangle with three sides
  • Division and multiplication: "12 ÷ 3" and "4"

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Maths Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt! But you can only move forward if you find matching pairs of maths cards. Here’s your quest:
  1. Find the card with "3 x 4"
  2. Flip it over to see "12"
  3. Find the card with "12" and flip it
  4. Check if they match – if yes, you can move forward!
  5. Keep going until you find all pairs
You might find:
  • One card says "10 x 10" and the other says "100"
  • One card shows "½" and the other shows a pizza cut in half
  • One card says "Circle" and the other shows a circle
Each time you find a pair, you get a gold coin! The more pairs you find, the more treasure you collect.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Flipping over too many cards at once
    Why it happens: You might get excited and want to find all matches quickly
    Fix: Remember to flip only two cards at a time and think about the match before flipping the next pair
  • Mistake: Forgetting what you saw on a card
    Why it happens: Your brain gets confused when you flip too many cards
    Fix: Try to remember where cards are and what they show. You can use a finger to point to cards you’ve seen
  • Mistake: Thinking you have to match everything on the first try
    Why it happens: You might feel pressure to win quickly
    Fix: It's okay to take your time. The more you play, the better you’ll get

Parent and carer guide

Playing a maths memory game with your child helps them learn and enjoy maths. Here’s how to help:
  • Play together – it makes it more fun and helps you spot mistakes
  • Encourage your child to explain why a pair matches – this helps them learn
  • Make the game harder as they get better – use more cards or more complex maths
  • Keep it short – 10-15 minutes is enough for most children
  • Don’t worry if they get it wrong – it's all part of learning!
You can also:
  • Use everyday objects like coins, blocks, or food to make your own memory cards
  • Let your child make their own memory game with their favourite maths facts
  • Ask questions like, "What do you think this card shows?" to help them think

Practice questions

  1. Match the following:
    • 3 x 5
    • 15
    • 6 + 9
    • 15
    Answer: 3 x 5 matches with 15, and 6 + 9 matches with 15
  2. Which of these cards match?
    • 10 ÷ 2
    • 5
    • 3 x 3
    • 9
    Answer: 10 ÷ 2 matches with 5, and 3 x 3 matches with 9
  3. What card matches with "½"?
    • A pizza cut into 4 pieces, with 2 pieces eaten
    • A pizza cut into 2 pieces, with 1 piece eaten
    • A pizza cut into 8 pieces, with 4 pieces eaten
    Answer: A pizza cut into 2 pieces, with 1 piece eaten
  4. Which of these is a match?
    • Circle
    • Triangle
    Answer: Circle matches with the circle shape
  5. What number matches with "20"?
    • 4 x 5
    • 20
    • 10 + 10
    • 30
    Answer: 4 x 5 and 10 + 10 both match with 20

FAQ

What is a maths memory game?

A maths memory game is a fun way to learn maths facts by matching pairs of cards. Each pair might show an equation and its answer, a fraction and a picture, or a shape and its name.

Can I make my own maths memory game?

Yes! You can use paper, cards, or even draw pictures on paper. Just write maths facts on one card and their matches on another.

How can I help my child learn better with memory games?

You can play with them, ask questions, and make the game harder when they get good at it. Remember to keep it fun and not too stressful.

Are there any maths memory games online?

Yes, many websites and apps have memory games for maths. Some are free, and some are part of educational apps. You can search for "maths memory game" online to find some.

How long should I play a maths memory game?

For most children, 10 to 15 minutes is enough. You can play longer if your child enjoys it and is not getting tired or frustrated.