vocabulary
Maths vocabulary for age 6
Key words and phrases children around age 6 need to hear, use and understand.
Quick answer
By the end of this page, you will know the most important maths words that children aged 6 need to understand, use, and talk about. These words help you describe numbers, shapes, patterns, and how to solve problems.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use the main maths words you hear and read in class, at home, and in everyday life. You will understand how to describe what you see, count, measure, and solve simple problems using these words. Success signs:- You can say the meaning of words like "add", "subtract", "more", "less", "equal", "shape", "pattern", "measure", and "divide"
- You can use these words when talking about your maths problems
- You can describe how you solved a maths problem using the right words
- You can find maths words in books, games, or around your house
Why this matters
Maths vocabulary is like your maths language. When you know the words, you can understand what the teacher is asking, explain your thinking, and solve problems more easily. If you don’t know the words, you might understand the maths but can’t talk about it or write it down properly. In real life, knowing these words helps you share your ideas, count your money, tell time, and understand how to share or measure things. Whether you're playing a game, helping in the kitchen, or solving a puzzle, the right words make all the difference.How it works
Learning maths words is like learning a new language. You don’t need to memorise them all at once. Instead, you can:- See the words in pictures, real life, or stories
- Use them in your own sentences
- Play games that use the words
- Ask questions when you don’t know a word
- Practice them every day
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some key maths words and what they mean, using fun examples: Add means to put numbers or things together. Example: If you have 3 apples and your friend gives you 2 more, you add them: 3 + 2 = 5 apples. Subtract means to take away. Example: If you have 7 cookies and eat 3, you subtract: 7 - 3 = 4 cookies. More means a greater amount. Example: If you have 4 toys and get 3 more, you have more toys. Less means a smaller amount. Example: If you have 8 crayons and give 2 away, you have less crayons. Equal means the same amount. Example: If you and your sibling both have 5 sweets, you have equal amounts. Shape means the outline or form of something. Example: A pizza is round (circle), a book is rectangular (rectangle). Pattern means a repeated design or sequence. Example: Red, blue, red, blue, red, blue is a pattern. Measure means to find out how big, long, or heavy something is. Example: You measure your height with a ruler. Divide means to split something into equal parts. Example: If you have 6 biscuits and share them between 2 people, each person gets 3 biscuits. Count means to say numbers in order. Example: Count from 1 to 10: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Sum means the total when you add numbers. Example: The sum of 4 and 5 is 9. Difference means how much one number is bigger or smaller than another. Example: The difference between 8 and 3 is 5. Product means the answer when you multiply numbers. Example: The product of 3 and 4 is 12. Halve means to split something into two equal parts. Example: If you have 8 stickers and halve them, you have 4 stickers. Double means to make something twice as much. Example: Double 5 is 10.Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are a detective on a mission to find the secret words in your house! Your task is to look around and find 10 maths words. Here’s how to do it: 1st time: Look at a book. What shape is the cover? (rectangle) 2nd time: Count the pages in the book. (count) 3rd time: See if you can find something that is more than 5. (more) 4th time: Find something that is less than 3. (less) 5th time: Check if two toys have the same number. (equal) 6th time: Look at a clock. What time is it? (measure) 7th time: Split your snacks into two parts. (halve) 8th time: Add 2 more toys to your pile. (add) 9th time: Take 1 toy away from your pile. (subtract) 10th time: See if you can find a pattern in your toys or clothes. (pattern) When you find a word, say it out loud and explain what it means. This makes learning fun and helps you remember the words better!Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking "add" and "subtract" mean the same thing.
Why it happens: Both words involve numbers, so it can be confusing.
Fix: Remember: Add means to put together, subtract means to take away. - Mistake: Confusing "more" and "less".
Why it happens: The words sound similar and both relate to amounts.
Fix: More means a bigger number. Less means a smaller number. - Mistake: Thinking "divide" means to split anything.
Why it happens: The word "split" sounds like "divide", but it must be equal.
Fix: Divide means to split into equal parts. - Mistake: Not knowing the difference between "sum" and "product".
Why it happens: Both are answers to maths problems.
Fix: Sum is from addition. Product is from multiplication.
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Using maths words every day when you talk, cook, or play
- Reading books with numbers and shapes together
- Playing simple games that use maths words like "more", "less", "equal", "add", "subtract"
- Letting children explain how they solved a problem using the right words
- Not worrying if they don’t know all the words at once – learning is a process
- Encouraging questions like "What does this word mean?" or "Can you show me?"
- Looking for maths words in everyday situations, like when shopping, cooking, or playing games
Practice questions
- What word means to take away? Answer: Subtract
- What word means the same amount? Answer: Equal
- What word means to split into two equal parts? Answer: Halve
- What word means to put numbers together? Answer: Add
- What word means the answer when you multiply? Answer: Product
- What word means to split into equal parts? Answer: Divide
- What word means how much bigger or smaller something is? Answer: Difference
- What word means the total when you add numbers? Answer: Sum
- What word means to make something twice as much? Answer: Double
- What word means to count in order? Answer: Count
FAQ
What are the most important maths words for a 6-year-old?
The most important words are: add, subtract, more, less, equal, shape, pattern, measure, divide, count, sum, difference, product, halve, and double.
How can I help my child learn these words?
You can read books together, play games, cook, or go on walks where you count things. Use the words in daily conversations and ask questions.
Do I need to teach all these words at once?
No, it's better to introduce them one at a time. Use them often and let your child use them in their own words.
Are there fun games to learn maths words?
Yes! Try playing "Maths Word Hunt", "Shape Match", or "Add and Subtract with Objects". You can also make up silly sentences using the words.
Why is it important to know maths vocabulary?
Knowing maths words helps you understand problems, explain your thinking, and do better in school. It also helps you use maths in real life, like sharing snacks or measuring ingredients.