X Tables
printables

Printable number bond cards

Create cards for matching, snap, memory and quick recall.

Quick answer

Printable number bond cards are a fun, hands-on way to help children learn how numbers can be split into parts and combined to make a whole. These cards help kids understand number relationships, which builds strong foundations for addition, subtraction, and mental maths.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to use printable number bond cards to help children understand how numbers can be broken apart and put back together, making it easier to add and subtract mentally. Success signs:
  • Children can quickly say which two numbers make 5, 10, or 12
  • Children can match number bond cards to make a whole
  • Children can use number bonds to solve simple addition or subtraction problems
  • Children can play games with number bond cards and enjoy learning

Why this matters

Number bonds are a key part of early maths learning. They help children understand that numbers can be split into parts and recombined. This skill is essential for mental maths, addition, and subtraction. Number bonds also make it easier to learn multiplication later, because children start to see how numbers relate to each other. These cards make learning fun and interactive, especially for younger children who learn best through play.

How it works

Number bonds show how a number can be split into two parts. For example, the number 5 can be split into 2 and 3. These two parts add up to make 5. You can show this with cards like:
  • One card shows the number 5
  • Another card shows 2 and 3
When you put them together, 2 + 3 = 5. To make printable number bond cards:
  1. Choose a number (like 5, 10, or 12)
  2. Write that number on one card
  3. Write all the possible pairs that make that number on other cards
  4. Print and cut them out
  5. Use them for matching, memory games, or quick recall practice

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to make number bond cards for the number 6:
Number Bond Card 1 Card 2
6 = 0 + 6 0 6
6 = 1 + 5 1 5
6 = 2 + 4 2 4
6 = 3 + 3 3 3
6 = 4 + 2 4 2
6 = 5 + 1 5 1
6 = 6 + 0 6 0
These cards help children see that 6 can be made in many different ways. You can also make cards for larger numbers, like 10 or 12, to help with more advanced number bonds.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a detective looking for number bond clues! Your mission is to find all the ways to make the number 8.
  1. First, write 8 on one card
  2. Next, find all the pairs that add up to 8
  3. Then, make a matching card for each pair
  4. Finally, play a game with your family to see who can find the most pairs
This is like a treasure hunt, but instead of treasure, you are finding number bonds!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 6 = 2 + 4 is the only way to make 6.
    Why it happens: Children may not know that 6 = 3 + 3 or 6 = 1 + 5.
    Fix: Show all the pairs that make 6, not just one or two.
  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of numbers, like thinking 3 + 5 = 8 and 5 + 3 = 8 are different.
    Why it happens: Children may not understand that addition is commutative.
    Fix: Practice with visual cards and explain that 3 + 5 and 5 + 3 make the same total.
  • Mistake: Not knowing that 0 + 7 = 7.
    Why it happens: Some children think 0 makes no difference.
    Fix: Show that adding 0 to any number gives the same number.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn number bonds by:
  • Using printable number bond cards for quick daily practice
  • Playing matching games with the cards
  • Encouraging children to say the number bonds out loud
  • Using real-life examples, like 5 apples and 3 oranges to make 8 fruits
  • Not pushing too hard – keep it fun and playful
It’s okay if children don’t get it right away. The more they play with the cards, the better they will get. Remember to celebrate small wins and keep the learning light and joyful.

Practice questions

  1. What two numbers make 7?
  2. Write the number bond for 9 = 4 + ?
  3. Which number bond is the same as 2 + 6?
  4. What number bond makes 10?
  5. Can you make 5 using two different numbers?
Answers:
  1. 1 and 6, 2 and 5, 3 and 4
  2. 5
  3. 6 + 2
  4. 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6, 5 + 5
  5. Yes, for example 2 + 3 = 5

FAQ

What are number bonds?
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add up to make a given number. For example, the number bonds for 5 are 0 + 5, 1 + 4, 2 + 3.

How can I make my own number bond cards?
You can write numbers on cards, or print out templates. Use one card for the whole number and others for the pairs that make it.

Are number bonds only for small numbers?
No, you can make number bond cards for any number. Try 10, 12, or even 20 to challenge older children.

Can number bond cards help with subtraction?
Yes! If you know that 7 = 3 + 4, you can also understand that 7 - 3 = 4.

How often should I practice with number bonds?
A few minutes each day is enough. Keep it fun and not like a test.