X Tables
Number Sense

Doubles to 10

Learn 1+1 through 10+10 with mirrors, pairs and arrays.

Quick answer

Doubles to 10 means adding the same number to itself, like 1 + 1 = 2 or 5 + 5 = 10. You can think of doubles as pairs or equal groups.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know all the doubles from 1 + 1 to 10 + 10, and you'll understand how doubles help you count faster and solve problems. Success signs:
  • You can say the doubles from 1 + 1 to 10 + 10 without counting
  • You can use doubles to solve addition problems
  • You can find doubles in real life, like pairs of socks or eyes
  • You can explain how doubles are the same as adding two equal groups

Why this matters

Doubles are a super helpful way to learn addition. They help you solve problems faster, especially when you're adding the same number twice. When you know your doubles, you'll be better at:
  • Adding numbers quickly
  • Making equal groups
  • Understanding multiplication later
  • Playing games that use numbers
In everyday life, you see doubles all the time – like two eyes, two hands, or two shoes. Knowing doubles helps you understand how numbers work and makes math more fun!

How it works

Doubles are when you add the same number to itself. For example:
  • 1 + 1 = 2
  • 2 + 2 = 4
  • 3 + 3 = 6
  • 4 + 4 = 8
  • 5 + 5 = 10
You can think of doubles as pairs or equal groups. If you have 3 apples and your friend has 3 apples, you have 6 apples total – that’s 3 + 3 = 6. This is the same as 3 doubled. You can also show doubles using:
  • Counting blocks or fingers
  • Arrays (like 3 rows of 3 items)
  • Number lines
  • Real objects like socks, eyes, or shoes

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how doubles work with simple examples:
Doubles Answer Real-life example
1 + 1 2 One eye and one eye = two eyes
2 + 2 4 Two hands and two hands = four hands
3 + 3 6 Three socks and three socks = six socks
4 + 4 8 Four legs and four legs = eight legs
5 + 5 10 Five fingers and five fingers = ten fingers
6 + 6 12 Six paws and six paws = twelve paws
7 + 7 14 Seven dots and seven dots = fourteen dots
8 + 8 16 Eight feet and eight feet = sixteen feet
9 + 9 18 Nine buttons and nine buttons = eighteen buttons
10 + 10 20 Ten stars and ten stars = twenty stars
You can also use arrays to show doubles. For example, if you have 4 rows of 4 items, that’s 4 + 4 = 8. Or if you have 5 rows of 5 items, that’s 5 + 5 = 10.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Double Detective You are a detective who needs to find all the doubles in your house. You have a special notebook to write down what you find. 1st time: Look for pairs of things in your room. Count how many of each. What is 2 + 2? What is 4 + 4? 2nd time: Check your toys. How many pairs of shoes do you have? What is 3 + 3? 3rd time: Look at your fingers and toes. How many fingers do you have? What is 5 + 5? 4th time: Count the number of eyes you see in your family. What is 1 + 1? 5th time: Find 6 + 6 in your house or garden. 6th time: Look for 7 + 7. 7th time: Look for 8 + 8. 8th time: Look for 9 + 9. 9th time: Look for 10 + 10. 10th time: Write down all your doubles in your notebook. After the adventure, share your findings with a grown-up or a friend!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 6 + 6 = 11 or 13. Why it happens: Confusing doubles with other addition facts. Fix: Use fingers, blocks, or a number line to count 6 + 6 and see that it equals 12.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 + 0 = 0. Why it happens: Not thinking about zero as a number. Fix: Think of zero as having no items. So zero + zero = zero.
  • Mistake: Counting 1 + 1 = 2, but 2 + 2 = 5. Why it happens: Adding one too many. Fix: Count carefully and use objects to check your answer.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 5 + 5 = 11. Why it happens: Mixing up the numbers. Fix: Use your fingers or draw 5 + 5 to see that it is 10.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing the Double Detective game with their child
  • Using real objects like toys, blocks, or fingers to show doubles
  • Practicing doubles during daily routines, like counting socks or eyes
  • Encouraging the child to say doubles out loud and write them down
  • Using games and apps that focus on doubles if available
Try asking questions like:
  • Can you show me 3 + 3 with your fingers?
  • How many eyes do you see in the room?
  • Can you find 4 + 4 in your toys?
Remember, don’t worry if your child doesn’t know all doubles right away. Practice makes progress!

Practice questions

  1. What is 1 + 1?
  2. What is 2 + 2?
  3. What is 3 + 3?
  4. What is 4 + 4?
  5. What is 5 + 5?
  6. What is 6 + 6?
  7. What is 7 + 7?
  8. What is 8 + 8?
  9. What is 9 + 9?
  10. What is 10 + 10?
Answers:
  1. 2
  2. 4
  3. 6
  4. 8
  5. 10
  6. 12
  7. 14
  8. 16
  9. 18
  10. 20

FAQ

What is a double in maths?

A double is when you add the same number to itself. For example, 4 + 4 = 8 is a double.

Why are doubles important?

Doubles help you add numbers quickly and are a good start to learning multiplication. If you know your doubles, you can solve problems faster.

How can I remember doubles?

You can remember doubles by using your fingers, drawing pictures, or playing games. You can also practice them every day.

Can I use doubles to solve bigger problems?

Yes! If you know 5 + 5 = 10, you can use that to solve 5 + 6 = 11 by thinking of it as 5 + 5 + 1.

What if I forget a double?

If you forget, use your fingers or draw the objects to help you count. Practice makes it easier!