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Adding Two-Digit Numbers Worksheet for Year 2 (Free Printable)

  • ForYear 2 (Free Printable)
  • StageKey Stage 1
  • CostFree
  • FormatPrintable PDF
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Adding Two Digit Numbers is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. It has 18 questions in three steps, a challenge question and full answers. Children practise adding with short, focused questions, using counters or a number line if they need them.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is for the child and page 2 is for the grown up. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children practise adding two digit numbers. There are 18 questions in three steps, followed by a challenge question at the end. Each question has space for the answer. Children can use counters or a number line, and they can count on from the bigger number. Page 2 is for the grown up. It has the answers, notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard and a stretch idea.

Worked example

38 + 45 = ?

This is our own example, not a question from the sheet. It shows two ways a child can work.

Method 1: split into tens and ones
  1. Split both numbers: 38 is 30 and 8. 45 is 40 and 5.
  2. Add the tens: 30 + 40 = 70.
  3. Add the ones: 8 + 5 = 13.
  4. Put the parts together: 70 + 13 = 83.
Method 2: count on in tens, then ones
  1. Start with 38 and add the tens from 45. 38 + 40 = 78.
  2. Now add the 5 ones. 78 + 2 = 80, then 80 + 3 = 83.
38 + 45 = 83

Why two digit addition matters

Every two digit number is made of tens and ones. The number 56 is 5 tens and 6 ones. When children add two digit numbers, they use this idea all the time. They can add the tens, add the ones, then put the parts back together. Understanding place value is what makes written and mental addition make sense later on.

Children also use number facts they already know. Knowing that 8 and 2 make 10 helps with sums like 38 and 45, because the ones can make a new ten. Counters and number lines give children a picture of what is happening. Saying the steps out loud helps them notice patterns and spot mistakes.

Skills and curriculum link

  • Adding
  • Mental maths
  • Number facts
  • Tens and ones
  • Counting on

Useful ideas for adding

  • Tens and onesEvery two digit number has tens and ones. Splitting numbers into these parts makes adding easier to picture.
  • Any orderYou can add two numbers in either order and get the same total. Starting with the bigger number can save time.
  • Make a tenOnes can sometimes join up to make a new ten. Children can use number facts to spot this.
  • Check by estimatingRound each number to the nearest ten first. This gives a rough idea of whether an answer is sensible.

Key words

  • AddPut two amounts together to find the total.
  • TotalThe answer when you add. It is also called the sum.
  • TensThe groups of ten in a number. In 56, the 5 means 5 tens.
  • OnesThe single units in a number. In 56, the 6 means 6 ones.
  • Count onStart at one number and count up from there to add.
  • Number lineA line of numbers in order. You can jump along it to add.

How to use it

  1. Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to your child and keep page 2, which has every answer.
  2. Read the first question together. Ask your child how they plan to work it out.
  3. Let them choose counters, a number line or counting on from the bigger number. Talk about each choice.
  4. Check together against the answers on page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?"
  5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

If it feels too hard

Use counters or a number line. Count on from the bigger number. Say the numbers out loud as you move along. Try a few questions at a time and come back to the rest later. Praise the thinking, not only the answer.

To stretch confident children

Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions for a friend to answer. Check your friend's answers together, and explain how you worked out the totals when you wrote the questions.

Make it a game

Race the clock. Set a timer for ten minutes and see how many questions you can get right. Next time, try to beat your own score. An adult checks the answers on page 2 afterwards.

Mistakes to watch for

Watch forA child adds the ones correctly but forgets to carry a new ten. For example, they write only the ones digit of 8 + 5.

Try thisShow 8 + 5 with counters. Make a group of ten and see what is left. The ten joins the other tens.

Watch forA child adds the tens and the ones but forgets to put the parts back together.

Try thisAsk them to say the two parts out loud, such as "70 and 13". Then add the parts as a last step.

Watch forA child loses count when counting on and the answer is one too big or too small.

Try thisUse a number line or fingers. Say the start number, then count on only the new numbers.

Talk about it

  • Which number would you start with, and why?
  • Can you explain how you worked out that answer?
  • Is there another way to find the same total?
  • What are the tens in this number? What are the ones?
  • Does your answer look sensible? How can you check?
  • Which question felt easiest, and which felt trickiest?

Take it off the page

Tens and ones bundles

Bundle lolly sticks into tens with elastic bands and keep some single. Make two numbers, then put them together and count the total.

Shop game

Make price labels using two digit numbers. Your child picks two items and adds the prices using play money or counters.

Chalk number line

Draw a number line outside with chalk. Your child jumps along it to add two numbers and says each step out loud.

Who it is for

Parents

Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. Praise effort and clear thinking, not only correct answers.

Teachers

Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives answers, help and a stretch idea for mixed ability groups.

Home educators

Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.

What comes before and after

Before this, children learn to add within 20 and to understand tens and ones. They use counters, number lines and number bonds to ten. These skills help them see why splitting numbers into parts works.

After this, children move on to adding larger numbers and meet more formal written methods in Key Stage 2. They will also use addition to solve word problems and to check subtraction answers.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Adding Two Digit Numbers for?

It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. It practises adding with short, focused questions, so it suits children who are building confidence with number.

What will children practise?

They practise adding, mental maths and number facts. The sheet has 18 questions in three steps and a challenge question, with space to answer on the page.

How do I use it?

Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for the adult. Use counters or a number line, and count on from the bigger number.

What if it feels too hard?

Use counters or a number line and count on from the bigger number. Try a few questions at a time and come back to the rest later. Page 2 also has help ideas for children who find it hard.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas.

How long should we spend on it?

Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes usually work better than long sessions. Work through it together the first time, then let your child try alone. Stop when they tire and return another day.

Preview the full PDF

Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.

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