X Tables
Number Sense

Counting in twos

Use socks, shoes, eyes and pairs to count by twos.

Quick answer

Counting in twos means counting by adding 2 each time: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and so on. You can use pairs of things like socks, shoes, or eyes to help you count faster.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in twos, and you will understand how to use pairs of objects to make counting easier. Success signs:
  • You can count from 2 to 20 by twos.
  • You can count backwards from 20 to 2 by twos.
  • You can spot when objects come in pairs, like shoes or gloves.
  • You can use counting in twos to solve simple problems.

Why this matters

Counting in twos helps you learn your 2 times table, which is useful for many everyday tasks. It helps you count quickly, solve problems faster, and understand how numbers work. Whether you're sharing toys, counting your socks, or helping in the kitchen, counting in twos makes things easier and more fun.

How it works

Counting in twos is like jumping by 2s on a number line. Each time you count, you add 2 more to the last number.
  • Start with 2
  • Add 2 to get 4
  • Add 2 to get 6
  • Add 2 to get 8
  • Keep adding 2
You can also count backwards in twos by taking away 2 each time.
  • Start with 20
  • Take away 2 to get 18
  • Take away 2 to get 16
  • Take away 2 to get 14
  • Keep taking away 2

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you have a big box of socks. You can count them by twos because socks come in pairs.
  • One pair of socks = 2 socks
  • Two pairs of socks = 4 socks
  • Three pairs of socks = 6 socks
  • Four pairs of socks = 8 socks
  • Five pairs of socks = 10 socks
You can also count the number of eyes on a group of people.
  • One person = 2 eyes
  • Two people = 4 eyes
  • Three people = 6 eyes
  • Four people = 8 eyes
  • Five people = 10 eyes
Try counting the legs of animals.
  • One dog = 2 legs
  • Two dogs = 4 legs
  • Three dogs = 6 legs
  • Four dogs = 8 legs
  • Five dogs = 10 legs

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Sock Hunt You are going on a mission to find pairs of socks in your house. You will collect socks and count them by twos.
  • 1st time: You find 1 pair of socks = 2 socks
  • 2nd time: You find 2 pairs of socks = 4 socks
  • 3rd time: You find 3 pairs of socks = 6 socks
  • 4th time: You find 4 pairs of socks = 8 socks
  • 5th time: You find 5 pairs of socks = 10 socks
Now, try counting backwards from 10 socks to 2 socks.
  • 10 socks = 5 pairs
  • 8 socks = 4 pairs
  • 6 socks = 3 pairs
  • 4 socks = 2 pairs
  • 2 socks = 1 pair
Can you find other things in your house that come in pairs?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 2 each time.
    Why it happens: You might count 2, 4, 5, 7 instead of 2, 4, 6, 8.
    Fix: Use your fingers or objects to help you count by twos. Make sure you add 2 each time.
  • Mistake: Counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 instead of 2, 4, 6, 8.
    Why it happens: You might think you are counting in twos but are actually counting by ones.
    Fix: Start with 2, not 1. Practice counting from 2 to 20 by twos.
  • Mistake: Mixing up forwards and backwards counting.
    Why it happens: You might get confused about which way you are counting.
    Fix: Say "counting forwards" and "counting backwards" to help you remember.

Parent and carer guide

Counting in twos is a fun way to help your child learn numbers. Here’s how to help:
  • Start by counting together using pairs of things like socks, shoes, or eyes.
  • Use your fingers to show 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
  • Play a game where you count backwards from 20 to 2 by twos.
  • Encourage your child to find pairs of objects around the house.
  • Don’t worry if they make mistakes. Counting in twos takes practice.

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in twos from 2 to 20. What are the numbers?
  2. Count backwards in twos from 20 to 2. What are the numbers?
  3. How many eyes do 5 people have?
  4. How many legs do 4 dogs have?
  5. How many pairs of socks are in 10 socks?
Answers:
  1. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
  2. 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
  3. 10 eyes
  4. 8 legs
  5. 5 pairs

FAQ

What is counting in twos?

Counting in twos means adding 2 each time, like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on.

Why is counting in twos useful?

It helps you count faster and learn your 2 times table. It is useful for sharing things, counting pairs, and solving problems.

Can I count backwards in twos?

Yes! You can count backwards from 20 to 2 by taking away 2 each time.

What are some things that come in pairs?

Things like socks, shoes, eyes, gloves, and ears come in pairs.

How can I practice counting in twos?

You can practice by counting socks, shoes, eyes, or any objects that come in pairs. Try counting forwards and backwards.