X Tables
Maths In Games

Roblox Studio vs Scratch: two ways to learn coordinates

Show how both tools use position, movement and number rules in different ways.

Quick answer

Both Roblox Studio and Scratch help you learn coordinates by using number pairs to show where things are on a grid. In Roblox, you build and move objects using X, Y, and Z numbers. In Scratch, you use X and Y numbers to move a character around a screen. Both teach the same basic idea but in different fun ways.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use coordinates to show where things are in a game, and how to move objects using number pairs in both Roblox Studio and Scratch. Success signs:
  • You can explain what X, Y, and Z coordinates mean
  • You can find a spot on a grid using coordinates
  • You can move an object using numbers in both games
  • You can compare how Roblox and Scratch use coordinates differently

Why this matters

Coordinates are used in many places, not just games! When you play football, you use coordinates when you pass the ball to a teammate. When you build with LEGO, you use coordinates when you place blocks in a pattern. When you play with maps, you use coordinates to find a place. Learning coordinates helps you understand how to describe where things are, and how to move them in a clear way. This is useful for games, science, maps, art, and even coding!

How it works

Coordinates are like a special address that tells you where something is. In games, you use numbers to say where a character or object is on a grid. In Roblox Studio, you use three numbers: X, Y, and Z.
  • X is the left-right position
  • Y is the up-down position
  • Z is the forward-backward position
In Scratch, you use two numbers: X and Y.
  • X is the left-right position
  • Y is the up-down position
Think of it like a map. You say "go 3 steps right and 2 steps up" to find a place. In coordinates, that’s (3, 2).

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are building a house in Roblox Studio. You want to place a door at the front. You might say:
  • Door is at X = 5, Y = 3, Z = 0
This means the door is 5 steps to the right, 3 steps up, and at the front (Z = 0). In Scratch, if you have a character and want to move it to the top right of the screen, you might use:
  • Move to X = 150, Y = 100
This means move to 150 steps to the right and 100 steps up. Here are some examples of how coordinates work in both games:

Roblox Studio Example

  • Building a tower: You place blocks at X = 0, Y = 0, Z = 0 for the bottom
  • Adding a roof: You place it at X = 0, Y = 5, Z = 0
  • Adding a window: You place it at X = 2, Y = 3, Z = 0

Scratch Example

  • Character starts at X = 0, Y = 0 (middle of the screen)
  • Move right: X = 100, Y = 0
  • Move up: X = 0, Y = 100
  • Move diagonally: X = 50, Y = 50

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build Your Own Game World! You are going to be a game designer. You have a grid of 10 by 10 spaces. You want to place some objects in your world. First, you place a treasure chest at position (3, 4). Then, you place a tree at (7, 2). Then, you place a rock at (5, 5). Now, you want to move your character to the treasure chest. In Scratch, you would write:
  • Move to X = 3, Y = 4
In Roblox, you would write:
  • Position = Vector3.new(3, 4, 0)
Can you write the coordinates for the tree and the rock? Try drawing them on paper or using a grid.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting which number is left/right and which is up/down.
    Why it happens: It's easy to mix up the order when you first learn.
    Fix: Remember that in both games, the first number is left/right (X) and the second is up/down (Y).
  • Mistake: Thinking Z coordinates are only for 3D games.
    Why it happens: Roblox uses Z for depth, but Scratch doesn’t have it.
    Fix: In Scratch, only X and Y matter. In Roblox, you use X, Y, and Z.
  • Mistake: Using the wrong numbers when moving objects.
    Why it happens: It's easy to get confused with positive and negative numbers.
    Fix: Practice drawing your grid and marking where you want to go.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using a grid or graph paper to practice coordinates with your child
  • Playing simple games that use coordinates, like Battleship
  • Looking at maps together and identifying locations using coordinates
  • Encouraging your child to explain what coordinates mean
  • Playing with Scratch or Roblox together to see how coordinates work
To help your child, ask questions like:
  • Where would we put a door if we wanted it 3 steps to the right and 2 steps up?
  • How do you think the character would move if we changed the numbers?
Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes. It's normal to get confused at first. The most important thing is to keep trying and learning!

Practice questions

  1. What do the numbers in coordinates tell us?
  2. Which game uses three numbers (X, Y, Z)?
  3. Which game uses only two numbers (X, Y)?
  4. What does the X coordinate mean in both games?
  5. What does the Y coordinate mean in both games?
Answers:
  1. They tell us where something is on a grid
  2. Roblox Studio
  3. Scratch
  4. Left-right position
  5. Up-down position

FAQ

What is a coordinate?

A coordinate is a number that tells us where something is on a grid. It's like an address for a place.

How are coordinates used in games?

Coordinates help you place objects and move characters in games. They tell the game where to put things.

Can I use coordinates in real life?

Yes! Maps use coordinates, and so do many games and apps. You can use them to find places or plan where to put things.

Do I need to know math to use coordinates?

You don’t need to be good at math to start. You just need to know how to count and follow directions.

Which game is better for learning coordinates?

Both are great! Scratch is easier for beginners, and Roblox is more advanced. You can learn from both.