Calculation methods for Grades 1–5 made simple
There can be more than one correct method. Try different strategies and use the one that makes the most sense to you.
1. Split numbers
Grades 1–2Split a number into friendly parts so you can reach the next ten first.
Steps
- 1Split 8 into 3 and 5.
- 2First calculate 7 + 3 = 10.
- 3Then add the remaining 5.
7 + 8 = 7 + 3 + 5 = 15
⚠️ Watch out: Do not lose a part: 3 + 5 must still equal 8.
✏️ Try it yourself: 6 + 7 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 13
2. Bridge through ten
Grades 1–2Reach the next full ten first, then continue with what remains.
Steps
- 138 needs 2 to reach 40.
- 2Split 7 into 2 and 5.
- 3Add the remaining 5 to 40.
38 + 7 = 38 + 2 + 5 = 45
⚠️ Watch out: After reaching 40, only 5 remains—not all 7.
✏️ Try it yourself: 47 + 6 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 53
3. Number line
Grades 1–3Jumps on a number line make addition and subtraction visible.
Steps
- 1Start at 52.
- 2Jump back two tens for −20.
- 3Jump back three more for −3.
52 − 23: 52 → 32 → 29
⚠️ Watch out: For subtraction, every jump goes to the left.
✏️ Try it yourself: 64 − 31 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 33
4. Column calculation
Grades 3–5Line up ones with ones, tens with tens and hundreds with hundreds.
Steps
- 1Start with the ones: 7 + 8 = 15.
- 2Write 5 and carry 1.
- 3Calculate tens and hundreds including the carry.
247 + 168 = 415
⚠️ Watch out: Place values must line up exactly.
✏️ Try it yourself: 356 + 287 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 643
5. Area model for multiplication
Grades 3–5Split a factor and combine the partial products.
Steps
- 1Split 23 into 20 + 3.
- 2Calculate 6 × 20 and 6 × 3.
- 3Add 120 + 18.
6 × 23 = 6 × 20 + 6 × 3 = 138
⚠️ Watch out: Multiply every part by 6.
✏️ Try it yourself: 7 × 34 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 238
6. Partial-quotients division
Grades 3–5Split a large number into chunks that are easy to divide.
Steps
- 1Split 156 into 120 + 36.
- 2120 ÷ 6 = 20 and 36 ÷ 6 = 6.
- 3Add 20 + 6.
156 ÷ 6 = 20 + 6 = 26
⚠️ Watch out: Divide every chunk by the same divisor.
✏️ Try it yourself: 184 ÷ 8 = ?
Show answer
Answer: 23
Create matching exercises
Choose a grade and practise these methods in a PDF or online test.