X Tables
Number Sense

Counting backwards from 10

Use rockets, stairs and tidy-up games to practise counting down.

Quick answer

Counting backwards from 10 means starting at 10 and saying the numbers in reverse order: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count backwards from 10 to 0, and you will know when to use counting backwards in real life. Success signs:
  • You can say the numbers from 10 down to 0 without stopping
  • You can count backwards from any number between 10 and 0
  • You can use counting backwards to solve simple problems
  • You can explain when counting backwards is helpful

Why this matters

Counting backwards is a useful skill that helps you in many situations. When you are cleaning up toys, you might count backwards from 10 to 0 to know when you are done. When you are playing games, counting backwards helps you know when to start or stop. It also helps you understand how numbers work, and it prepares you for learning subtraction. You might even use it when you are waiting for your birthday or a big event to start!

How it works

Counting backwards is like walking down a staircase. Every step you take, you go one number lower. If you start at 10, the next number is 9, then 8, then 7, and so on. It's like a number train going in the opposite direction. When you reach 0, you stop.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are going down a ladder with 10 steps. You start at the top step, which is number 10. As you climb down one step at a time, you say:
  1. 10
  2. 9
  3. 8
  4. 7
  5. 6
  6. 5
  7. 4
  8. 3
  9. 2
  10. 1
  11. 0
Now imagine you are playing a game where you have 10 balloons, and you pop them one by one. Each time you pop a balloon, you count backwards:
  1. 10 balloons
  2. 9 balloons
  3. 8 balloons
  4. 7 balloons
  5. 6 balloons
  6. 5 balloons
  7. 4 balloons
  8. 3 balloons
  9. 2 balloons
  10. 1 balloon
  11. 0 balloons
You can also use your fingers to help you count backwards. Start with all 10 fingers up. When you count backwards, you put one finger down each time:
  1. 10 fingers up
  2. 9 fingers up
  3. 8 fingers up
  4. 7 fingers up
  5. 6 fingers up
  6. 5 fingers up
  7. 4 fingers up
  8. 3 fingers up
  9. 2 fingers up
  10. 1 finger up
  11. 0 fingers up

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a rocket countdown adventure! You are the captain of a rocket ship, and you need to get ready for launch. Your countdown starts at 10 and goes down to 0. You must count backwards with your team.
  1. 5th time: 10 rockets
  2. 4th time: 9 rockets
  3. 3rd time: 8 rockets
  4. 2nd time: 7 rockets
  5. 1st time: 6 rockets
  6. Launch time: 5 rockets
  7. Launch time: 4 rockets
  8. Launch time: 3 rockets
  9. Launch time: 2 rockets
  10. Launch time: 1 rocket
  11. Launch time: 0 rockets
Now, let's imagine you are tidying up your room. You have 10 toys to put away. Each time you put one toy away, you count backwards:
  1. 10 toys to put away
  2. 9 toys to put away
  3. 8 toys to put away
  4. 7 toys to put away
  5. 6 toys to put away
  6. 5 toys to put away
  7. 4 toys to put away
  8. 3 toys to put away
  9. 2 toys to put away
  10. 1 toy to put away
  11. 0 toys to put away

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to count down to 0.
    Why it happens: Children may think the countdown is just going down to 1, not 0.
    Fix: Remind them that counting backwards means going all the way to 0, just like going all the way down the stairs.
  • Mistake: Saying numbers in the wrong order.
    Why it happens: Children may mix up the order of numbers when counting backwards.
    Fix: Practice with a number line or a staircase to help them see the correct order.
  • Mistake: Getting confused between counting forwards and backwards.
    Why it happens: Children may not yet understand that counting backwards is the opposite of counting forwards.
    Fix: Use the same examples but ask them to count forwards and then backwards to show the difference.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child practice counting backwards by:
  • Playing a countdown game with them, like counting down from 10 to 0 before bedtime or before starting a game
  • Using stairs or steps to show how counting backwards works
  • Counting backwards when cleaning up toys or tidying rooms
  • Using fingers or objects to help them see the numbers going down
  • Repeating the sequence together, and letting them take turns counting
Remember, don't worry if they make mistakes. It's normal to get confused at first. The more they practice, the easier it gets. Be patient and encourage them to keep trying.

Practice questions

  1. Count backwards from 10 to 0. What numbers do you say?
  2. Count backwards from 7 to 0. What numbers do you say?
  3. Count backwards from 10 to 0 using your fingers. How many fingers do you put down each time?
  4. If you have 5 apples and you eat one each day, how many apples do you have after each day? Count backwards from 5 to 0.
  5. Count backwards from 10 to 0 while walking down a staircase. What numbers do you say?
Answers:
  1. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0
  2. 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0
  3. 10 fingers, then 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 fingers
  4. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0
  5. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0

FAQ

What is counting backwards?

Counting backwards means saying numbers in reverse order, from a higher number down to a lower number, usually down to 0.

Why do we need to count backwards?

Counting backwards helps with subtraction, understanding number patterns, and it's useful in games and everyday life, like waiting for something to happen or cleaning up.

How can I practice counting backwards?

You can practice by counting down from 10 to 0 with your fingers, using stairs, counting down from different numbers, or playing games that involve counting backwards.

Is counting backwards harder than counting forwards?

For young children, counting backwards can be trickier because it's the opposite of what we usually do. But with practice, it becomes easier.

Can I count backwards from numbers other than 10?

Yes! You can count backwards from any number. For example, you can count from 5 to 0, or from 15 to 0.