Ten Frames

Practice math with these printable ten frames. Using a ten frame is a great way to visualize and recognize numbers.

Read on to learn how to use a ten frame and to download your own ten frame printables in PDF form.

10 frames are great tools for kids who are practicing foundational math skills including number sense. Young children can build numbers along with visually showing math problems using these 10 frame printables!

Ten frame printables overlapping on a wooden background with green rectangle across the top with text overlay.

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Exploring math with your child? Make sure to check out these tens and ones charts along with these printable number flashcards!

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What is a Ten Frame?
How to Use a Ten Frame
Age Range
Skills to Practice
Single Ten Frame
Double Ten Frame
Multiple Ten Frames
Additional Activities
Terms of Use
Comments

What is a Ten Frame?

A 10 frame is a chart with two rows and five columns. It is a math tool used to visually show numbers one through ten. In a ten frame, one box is equal to one unit.

basic ten frame printable on a wooden background with two small pinecones within two of the boxes. A green circle bottom left with the number 2 inside.

For example, if two boxes are filled, then the number 2 is represented using the chart. Ten frames make it easier for young children to see how many units make up each individual number.

Tip: Use objects that a child is interested in as the counters. Acorns, pinecones, rocks, and even small figurines like these small colorful frogs can be placed on the chart.

How to Use a Ten Frame

To Show a Number

To show a number within the chart, you can place an object or counter within each box. 1 Box = 1 Unit.

Start in the upper left corner and fill the individual boxes from left to right.
Once the first row is full, start filling the boxes in the second row moving from left to right.

printable with one ten frame with eight acorns one inside each square. Green circle bottom left with number 8 inside. Wooden background. — Number 8 represented using a Ten Frame

To make the number 8, first work from left to right starting in the upper row. Then once those are filled, move down to the second row. Fill the boxes from left to right until 8 boxes in total on the chart are filled.

A child would place 5 objects in the first row.
Then three more objects in the bottom row to show the number 8.

Addition and Subtraction

Create the first number using the method above. Then either take away objects to show a subtraction problem. Or add objects to show an addition problem.

*Remember each box represents one unit. So each box only holds one object or counter.

Wooden background with a label across the top with a green rectangle. Three ten frames one above the next with acorns and pine cones inside the boxes. Numbers 8, 2, and 10 in circles on the far left with a + and an = sign. — Addition Problem using a Ten Frame

Another way is to show both numbers on two separate charts like the example above. Then on the third chart, they can show the solution.

Age Range

Preschool
Kindergarten
Elementary School

You can use ten frames with a wide range of ages. From children in preschool up to kids in elementary grades.

Skills to Practice

Addition
Counting
Fine Motor Skills
Number Recognition
Numbers 1-10
Subtraction

Ten frames can be used to practice a wide range of math skills. From number recognition to counting, ten frames are great for young children.

Older kids can use them to visually show addition and subtraction problems. I love how kids can visually see the numbers. Plus, kids can place actual items on the chart which practices fine motor skills!

Single Ten Frame

A ten frame is a math chart with two rows and five columns. Ten frames are made of ten boxes. Each box within the chart represents one unit. You can use the single 10 frame below to visually show numbers one through ten.

To download simply click the image to bring up a pdf version of the sheet.

printable with a ten frame slanted with a drop shadow

Double Ten Frame

Each printable has two ten frames stacked one on top of another. You can visually show numbers one through twenty using these math charts. Each box within the frame represents one unit.

Another way to use these printables is to cut the paper in half. That will give you two small single 10 frames to use with your kids!

printable with two ten frames slanted with a drop shadow

Multiple Ten Frames

You can use these printables to visually build numbers 1-10. Or to visually show addition and subtraction problems. You can even download the filled out chart to use as a reference for numbers one through ten!

black and white printable with a set of ten ten frames slanted with a drop shadow

black and white printable with six ten frames slanted with a drop shadow

Printed out ten frame printable with numbers 1-10 represented in each frame using nature items including acorns, leaves, and pebbles.

Printed ten frame sheet with ten frames one for each number 1-10 with labels above each frame

Additional Activities

Help your young child build foundational math skills with these engaging math resources. These free printables are no prep and great for homeschool, math centers, or just some extra math practice at home.

Make sure to check out the entire collection of math resources. Designed for kids in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school from a mom and certified elementary education teacher.

Terms of Use

These printables were created by Nature Inspired Learning and are for personal use only for your home, classroom, or public library. All of these free ten frames are for non-commercial use. See full disclosure.

Comments

Sera

January 31, 2023 at 6:41 pm

So thankful for all the different printables and written explanations. I need all the help with teaching math I can get!!

- Julie
  
  January 31, 2023 at 6:46 pm
  
  Hi Sera! You're very welcome! These are really fun and easy to use once you get the hang of them!