Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Counting in 4s Worksheet for Year 3 (Free Printable)
- ForYear 3 (Free Printable)
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Counting in 4s is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8). It has 18 questions in three steps, plus a challenge question. Children practise counting in steps of 4, spot the pattern in the numbers and get to know multiples of 4. Page 2 gives the grown up the answers, help ideas and a stretch task.
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. Print both pages on A4, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children work through 18 numbered questions in three steps, with space to write each answer. They practise counting in 4s, spotting patterns in the numbers and meeting multiples of 4. A challenge question at the end asks them to think a little harder. Short, focused questions let confidence build gradually, and saying the numbers out loud helps the pattern stick.
Why count in 4s?
Counting in 4s is part of the Year 3 maths curriculum, which asks children to count from 0 in multiples of 4, 8, 50 and 100. It is also the first step towards the 4 times table. When a child can count in 4s fluently, they are already saying the answers to multiplication facts, even if they do not yet think of them that way.
Multiples of 4 follow a steady pattern. Each jump adds the same amount, and every number reached is even. Counting in 4s is also the same as counting in 2s and taking every second number, or doubling and doubling again. Noticing these links helps children see that numbers connect, rather than learning each list as a separate chant.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting in steps of 4
- Spotting number patterns
- Multiples
- Number sense
- Explaining thinking
Ideas that help with counting in 4s
- Equal jumpsCounting in 4s means adding the same amount each time. Every jump is the same size, which is why a number line or number track works so well.
- Link to 2sCounting in 2s is a good warm up. Four is two twos, so the 4s are every second number when counting in 2s.
- Double and double againDoubling a number and doubling it again is the same as multiplying it by 4. This is a handy way to check a number.
- Even numbersEvery number you land on when counting in 4s is even. If a number is odd, something has gone wrong along the way.
Key words
- MultipleA number you reach when you count in steps of the same size. Multiples of 4 are the numbers you say when counting in 4s.
- Count in stepsCount forwards by adding the same amount each time.
- PatternNumbers or shapes that follow a rule you can spot and use.
- SequenceA list of numbers in order, following a rule.
- Even numberA number that can be shared equally into two groups with none left over.
- Number lineA line with numbers in order. Children jump along it to count.
How to use it
- Print both pages on A4. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has every answer and the notes for you.
- Read the first question together. Ask your child to say the counting numbers out loud before they write anything.
- Let them choose how to work. A number line, fingers, counters or counting in 2s first are all fine.
- Check together using page 2. Ask, "How did you know?" The reasoning matters as much as the answer.
- Come back to it another day and redo any questions that felt tricky. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the numbers out loud and point to each one on a number line as you go. Count in 2s first, then take every second number to see the 4s. Try a few questions at a time and return to the rest later.
To stretch confident children
Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions of your own for a friend to answer. Check their answers together, and explain to each other how you know each one is right.
Make it a game
Take turns with a partner. One person starts at 0 and says the first number when counting in 4s, then the next person says the next number, and so on. If someone gets stuck or says a wrong number, start again from 0. See how far you can get.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child slips into counting in 2s or 3s without noticing.
Try thisDraw groups of 4 dots or hold up 4 fingers. Say one number for each whole group, so the size of the jump stays clear.
Watch forA child loses their place part way through the pattern.
Try thisPoint to a number line and jump 4 spaces each time. Say the number you land on, then pause before the next jump.
Watch forA child counts the start number as one of the four steps, so each jump is one too small.
Try thisStart at the number, then tap 1, 2, 3, 4 on the line and say where you land. The start number is not tapped.
Talk about it
- What is the same about every jump when we count in 4s?
- Can you spot a pattern in the numbers you say? What do you notice?
- How could counting in 2s help you count in 4s?
- What would you do if you forgot the next number?
- Where might you see groups of 4 at home or at school?
- How would you explain counting in 4s to a younger child?
Take it off the page
Groups of four
Collect small items such as buttons, pasta shapes or building bricks. Make piles of 4 and count the total after each new pile. Say the number out loud every time.
Hopscotch in 4s
Draw a track in chalk outside and write numbers along it. Hop only on the numbers you say when counting in 4s, and say each one as you land.
Four legged friends
Draw animals that have four legs. Count the legs in groups of 4 as you add each animal, and write the running total beside the drawing.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Short sessions work better than long ones. If they get stuck, ask them to say the numbers out loud or point along a number line.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. It matches the Year 3 strand on counting in multiples of 4, 8, 50 and 100. Page 2 has support, stretch and answers for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan and use it again for brothers, sisters or revision. Pair it with everyday counting, such as setting the table or counting steps, to show counting in 4s in real life.
Where counting in 4s fits
Before this, children in Year 2 count in steps of 2, 3, 5 and 10. Those earlier patterns are a good warm up. Counting in 2s in particular helps, because counting in 4s is the same as taking every second step.
Counting in 4s sits alongside counting in 8s, 50s and 100s in the same Year 3 objective, so this sheet covers one part of it. It also leads towards the 4 times table, and towards using multiplication and division facts for 3, 4 and 8 in Year 3.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Counting in 4s for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Children who are still building confidence with counting in steps can use it with support, and quick learners can take on the challenge question.
- What will children practise?
Children practise counting in steps of 4, spotting patterns and working with multiples. The 18 questions come in three steps, so the sheet builds gradually, and a challenge question at the end gives confident children something extra.
- 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. Say the numbers out loud and point to them on a number line the first time.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and say the numbers out loud while pointing to a number line. Count in 2s first, then take every second number to find the 4s. Do a few questions at a time and return to the rest later.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision a few weeks later.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. It also prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
- Does it include answers?
Yes. Page 2 is for the grown up and has every answer, along with notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard and a stretch idea.
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.