What is a ten frame?
A ten frame is a 2 × 5 grid of boxes that holds up to ten counters. Because the frame always holds ten, children can see a number without counting one by one: a full top row is 5, one empty box means 9. That quick recognition (subitizing) and the habit of thinking "how many more to make ten" are the base for addition, subtraction and place value. Ten frame math usually starts in kindergarten and carries on through first grade.
How to use ten frames
- Flash and say: show a ten frame card for two seconds and ask how many. Then ask how many more make ten.
- Build a number: give each child a blank ten frame and counters, call out a number and have them fill it, top row first.
- Make ten: with 7 counters showing, the 3 empty boxes are the answer to 7 + ? = 10.
- Teen numbers: on a double ten frame, 14 is one full frame and 4 more, the idea behind "ten and some ones".
| Skill | Frame | Common Core |
|---|---|---|
| Count to answer how many, up to 20 | Ten or double ten frame | K.CC.B.5 |
| Find the number that makes 10 | Ten frame | K.OA.A.4 |
| Teen numbers as ten ones and some more | Double ten frame | K.NBT.A.1 |
| Add and subtract within 20 by making ten | Double ten frame | 1.OA.C.6 |
Blank ten frames, cards and worksheets
Blank ten frames print 1 to 8 per page; one large empty ten frame fits counters, cubes or mini erasers, while 6 or 8 per page suit small-group work. Number cards print the numbers 0 to 10 on ten frames (or 11 to 20 on double ten frames) with cut lines, ready for flash games, matching and ordering. The how-many ten frame worksheet fills each frame with a different number and leaves a line to write it; New worksheet draws a fresh set. Five frames, a single row of five, are a gentle start for preschool. For counting further, use the hundreds chart or a number line, and the place value chart when tens and ones become bigger numbers.
How we tested this tool
We checked the maker by script in Google Chrome on Windows across 372 sheets (three frame types, three sheet types, 1 to 8 per page, both papers and both counter colors). Number cards cover exactly 0 to 10, 11 to 20 or 0 to 5, and every frame shows the right number of counters, always filled top row first. Worksheets never repeat a number on the same page when there are enough to choose from, and no frame, label or answer line overlaps another or runs off the page. Tapping a square adds a counter, tapping again removes it, and the counters appear in the printed copy. The first version printed double ten frame cards with squares only 6 mm wide, so those cards now put the two frames side by side. We printed sheets to PDF with Microsoft Edge (one portrait page, Letter and A4) and tested the page at a 375 px phone width.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ten frame in math?
A rectangle of 2 rows and 5 boxes that holds up to ten counters. It helps children see numbers as parts of ten, for example 8 as one full row of 5 plus 3, or as 2 less than 10.
How do you fill a ten frame?
Fill the top row from left to right first, then the bottom row from left to right. Filling the same way every time makes 5 and 10 easy to spot and keeps numbers easy to read at a glance.
What is a double ten frame used for?
Numbers from 11 to 20 and addition within 20. One full frame is ten and the second frame shows the extra ones, so 13 is ten and 3 more. It is also used to add by making ten, such as 8 + 5 = 10 + 3.
Can I print blank ten frames?
Yes. Choose Blank frames and pick 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 per page. Tap squares in the preview first if you want counters printed in some boxes, or press Clear counters for empty frames.
Is there an interactive ten frame?
Yes. On a blank sheet, tap any square in the preview to add a counter and tap again to remove it. Show it on the board for whole-class work, then print the same sheet.
What are ten frame cards?
Cards that show a number as counters in a ten frame, with the numeral underneath. Choose Number cards for 0 to 10 on ten frames or 11 to 20 on double ten frames, print on card stock and cut along the dashed lines.