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Printable number lines

Use open, labelled and blank number lines for operations and ordering.

Quick answer

Printable number lines are visual tools that help children understand numbers, counting, and basic maths operations like addition and subtraction by showing numbers in order on a line.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use printable number lines to help with counting, ordering numbers, and solving simple addition and subtraction problems. Success signs:
  • You can point to numbers on a number line and say what comes before or after
  • You can use a number line to add or subtract small numbers
  • You can put numbers in order using a number line
  • You can explain why a number line helps with maths

Why this matters

Number lines are like a road map for numbers. They help you see how numbers connect to each other and make maths easier to understand. Whether you're learning to count, adding up your pocket money, or working out how many cookies you need to share, number lines help you think about maths in a visual way. They're especially helpful for children who are just starting to learn maths, because they make abstract ideas like "more" or "less" easier to imagine.

How it works

A number line is a straight line with numbers placed at equal intervals. You can make number lines with any numbers you like, but most printable number lines start at 0 and go up to 20 or 100. You can use them to:
  • Count forwards and backwards
  • See which number is bigger or smaller
  • Add numbers by jumping forward
  • Subtract numbers by jumping backwards
To use a number line:
  1. Find the starting number
  2. Count how many jumps you need to make
  3. Jump forward for addition or backward for subtraction
  4. See what number you land on

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you have a number line from 0 to 10. You want to solve 3 + 4.
  1. Start at 3 on the number line
  2. Jump forward 4 times
  3. You land on 7
  4. So 3 + 4 = 7
Now let's try subtraction. If you want to solve 9 - 5:
  1. Start at 9
  2. Jump backward 5 times
  3. You land on 4
  4. So 9 - 5 = 4
Here's a table showing how to use number lines for different operations:
Operation How to Use Number Line Example
Addition Start at first number, jump forward 2 + 3 = 5
Subtraction Start at first number, jump backward 7 - 3 = 4
Ordering Look at where numbers are placed 3 comes before 5
Counting Move along the line Count 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Line Treasure Hunt You are a brave explorer who has found an ancient treasure map! The map shows a number line from 0 to 20, and you must follow clues to find the treasure.
  1. Start at 0
  2. Jump forward 5 spaces
  3. Jump forward 3 more spaces
  4. Jump backward 2 spaces
  5. Jump forward 4 more spaces
What number did you land on? That's where the treasure is hidden!
  1. Start at 0
  2. Jump forward 5 spaces (lands on 5)
  3. Jump forward 3 more spaces (lands on 8)
  4. Jump backward 2 spaces (lands on 6)
  5. Jump forward 4 more spaces (lands on 10)
The treasure is hidden at number 10!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the starting number when jumping
    Why it happens: Children are used to counting from 1, so they count the first number too.
    Fix: Remember, when you jump, you don't count the number you start on. Count the jumps only.
  • Mistake: Jumping too far or too little
    Why it happens: Not counting the jumps carefully or misunderstanding the problem.
    Fix: Count each jump out loud or use your fingers to keep track.
  • Mistake: Confusing addition and subtraction
    Why it happens: Not knowing whether to jump forward or backward.
    Fix: Addition = jump forward, subtraction = jump backward.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to look at the number line to check answers
    Why it happens: Thinking you're done when you've jumped, not checking.
    Fix: Always look at the number you land on to make sure it makes sense.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn to use number lines by:
  • Using a number line together while counting or solving problems
  • Letting children create their own number lines with stickers or drawings
  • Practising simple addition and subtraction with the number line
  • Using real-life situations like shopping or cooking to make number lines more meaningful
  • Encouraging children to explain their thinking when using number lines
What to say:
  • "Let's use the number line to see how much 6 + 3 is"
  • "Can you show me how to count backwards using the number line?"
  • "What number comes between 7 and 9?"
What not to worry about:
  • Children may make mistakes at first - that's normal
  • They might need to count each jump carefully
  • It's okay if they use their fingers to help

Practice questions

  1. Start at 4, jump forward 3. What number do you land on?
  2. Start at 10, jump backward 4. What number do you land on?
  3. What number comes after 7 on a number line?
  4. What number comes before 5 on a number line?
  5. Use a number line to solve: 2 + 5 = ?
  6. Use a number line to solve: 8 - 3 = ?
  7. Which number is bigger: 3 or 6?
  8. Which number is smaller: 10 or 4?
Answers:
  1. 7
  2. 6
  3. 8
  4. 4
  5. 7
  6. 5
  7. 6
  8. 4

FAQ

What is a number line?

A number line is a straight line with numbers placed at equal intervals. It helps show how numbers relate to each other and makes maths easier to understand.

How can I make my own number line?

You can draw one on paper, use printable number lines from the internet, or even make one with stickers or blocks. Just make sure the numbers are in the right order.

What age should children start using number lines?

Children can start using number lines as early as 3 or 4 years old for simple counting. By age 6 or 7, they can use them for addition and subtraction.

Can number lines help with bigger numbers?

Yes! Number lines can go up to any number you want. You can use them for numbers up to 100 or even 1000.

How can I make number lines more fun?

You can turn them into games, use them for treasure hunts, or make up stories where numbers are characters. You can also use different colours or stickers to make them more exciting.