What Basic Math covers
Basic Math is where every learner starts: the four operations on whole numbers. It begins with quick recall of addition and multiplication facts and grows into the written methods for multi-digit numbers, with carrying, borrowing, long multiplication and division with remainders.
These skills are usually practised from grade 1 to grade 5. Instead of fixed difficulty levels, each worksheet lets you choose how many digits each number has (1 to 5), so the same generator works for a first-grader's facts and a fifth-grader's long division. Negative numbers can be switched on for older students.
Basic Math topics
Recommended order
- Addition — facts first, then two digits plus one digit with carrying.
- Subtraction — the inverse of addition, with borrowing.
- Multiplication — times tables, then multi-digit multiplication.
- Division — the inverse of multiplication, with remainders.
Within each operation, increase the digits one step at a time: one digit and one digit, then two digits and one digit, then larger numbers. For how much to practise each day and when to move on, see the grade-by-grade math practice roadmap. After this level, Basic Math 2 moves on to fractions, decimals and percentages.
Choosing the settings
Every Basic Math worksheet has 20 problems on a page, and each of the two numbers has its own settings:
- Digits (1 to 5) sets how long the number is. One-digit numbers run from 2 to 9.
- Max Value caps the number: two digits with a maximum of 50 keeps it between 10 and 50.
- Random mixes in negative numbers, for students who are ready for integers.
The larger number is always written first, so subtraction answers are never negative unless negative numbers are switched on. Division answers show both the decimal and the quotient with its remainder. For marking and printing tips, see the guide to printable worksheets.