Adding numbers up to 20
Adding is putting things together. There are several friendly ways to do it. Try them all and pick the one that feels easiest.
Way 1 — counting on
Start at the bigger number and count up.
9 + 4 → start at 9, then say "10, 11, 12, 13"
The last number you say is your answer: 13.
Way 2 — using fingers
For small problems, fingers are the best calculator. Show one number with your hands, then add more fingers (you can borrow a friend's hands for the second hand if needed!) and count them all.
Way 3 — the "make ten" trick
This trick is for problems where the answer goes past ten. Get to 10 first, then keep adding.
For 8 + 5:
Take 2 from the 5 — now it is 8 + 2 + 3.
8 + 2 = 10. Then 10 + 3 = 13.
The numbers near 10 (8 and 9) love this trick. Try 9 + 6: take 1 from 6, get 10, add 5 → 15.
Practice tips
- Always start with the bigger number when you count on. 2 + 9 is faster as 9 + 2.
- When the two numbers are close (5 + 6, 7 + 8), the "doubles plus one" trick helps. 5 + 6 is 5 + 5 + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11.
- Read the answer back: "eight plus five is thirteen". Saying it out loud helps you remember.