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Doubling to 20 Worksheet for Year 1 (Free Printable)

  • ForYear 1 (Free Printable)
  • StageKey Stage 1
  • CostFree
  • FormatPrintable PDF
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Doubling to 20 is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6). It has 18 questions in three steps, then a challenge question. Children practise doubling, which means finding the total of two equal amounts. Page 2 gives the grown up full 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, then try a challenge question. Each step is there to build confidence before the next one. There is space to write every answer. Children can use counters, drawings or their fingers to help them. Page 2 is for the adult and has all the answers, so you can check the work together afterwards.

Ways to build doubling skills

Two equal groups

Put out two groups of counters with the same number in each. Count one group, then the other, then all of them together. Children see that doubling means two of the same amount.

Say it as an adding sum

Link doubling to adding. Write a number, then the same number again, with a plus sign between. Children learn that a double is one number added to itself.

Matching pictures

Draw a ladybird with the same number of spots on each wing. Or draw two plates with the same number of biscuits on each. Pictures make the idea easy to see.

Use real pairs

Look for pairs around the house, such as two hands, two socks or two eyes. Ask your child to count what they see on both sides and say the total.

What is doubling?

Doubling means making a number twice as big. You can think of it as adding a number to itself, or as putting two equal groups together. Young children often meet doubling before they meet formal multiplication. It is a good first step because it uses things they already know, such as pairs of shoes, two hands and two wings.

Doubles are useful number facts. When children know them well, they can use them to work out other sums, and quick recall leaves more thinking space for harder problems. Doubling also links to halving, which is its reverse. Short, regular practice with counters, pictures and talk helps these facts stick.

Skills and curriculum link

  • Doubling
  • Number facts
  • Mental maths
  • Counting equal groups
  • Adding two equal amounts

Helpful ideas about doubling

  • Two equal groupsA double is made from two groups that match exactly. If the groups are different sizes, it is not a double.
  • Adding the same numberDoubling a number is the same as adding that number to itself. Say the sum out loud to hear the link.
  • Rows and arraysDraw two rows with the same number of dots in each. Counting every dot gives the double. This is the kind of picture work the Year 1 curriculum asks for.
  • Use your handsHold up the same number of fingers on each hand, then count them all. It is a quick way to check a small double.

Key words

  • DoubleTo make a number twice as big. You add the number to itself.
  • TwiceTwo times. Twice a number means two lots of it.
  • EqualThe same amount. Two equal groups have the same number in each.
  • TotalHow many there are when you put everything together.
  • AltogetherA word that asks you to count everything in all the groups.
  • Number factA sum you know so well that you can say the answer quickly.

How to use it

  1. Print both pages on A4. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the answers and notes.
  2. Do the first few questions together. Read each one aloud and ask your child to say what doubling means in their own words.
  3. Let your child choose how to work. Counters, drawings and fingers are all good ways to find a double.
  4. Check the answers together using page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?" The thinking matters as much as the answer.
  5. Come back to the sheet on another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence and speed.

Help, stretch and game ideas

If it feels too hard

Use two equal groups of counters. Put the same number in each group, then count them all. Say the sum out loud as you go. Start with the first few questions and come back to the rest another day.

To stretch confident children

Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions for a friend to answer. Check their answers together and talk about how you each worked them out.

Make it a game

Race the clock. Use a sand timer and see how many questions you can answer correctly before the sand runs out. Next time, try to beat your own score. Keep counters nearby for checking.

Mistakes to watch for

Watch forA child counts only one of the two groups and writes that number as the answer.

Try thisAsk them to point to every counter in both groups as they count. Say, "Doubling means both groups, so how many altogether?"

Watch forA child adds one more instead of adding the same number again.

Try thisMake two groups with counters and check that they match. Ask, "Are these two groups the same?" Then count all of them.

Watch forA child guesses without checking and the answer looks too small or too big.

Try thisAsk them to draw the two groups quickly. Counting the drawing shows whether the answer makes sense.

Talk about it

  • What does double mean? Can you explain it to me?
  • Where can you see doubles around our home?
  • How did you work that one out? Did you use counters, fingers or a picture?
  • Why are the two groups in a double always the same size?
  • Which question was the easiest? What made it easy?
  • Can you make up a doubling question for me to solve?

Take it off the page

Pairs treasure hunt

Hunt around the house for things that come in pairs, such as gloves, socks and shoes. Count each pair, then count all of them together and say the double.

Domino doubles

Sort a set of dominoes and find the ones with the same number of dots on both halves. Say the double each one shows.

Playdough double

Roll playdough into small balls. Make two equal groups on a paper plate, then count them all. Squash them and try a different number.

Who it is for

Parents

Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Keep it relaxed and stop when they tire. If they get stuck, give them counters and ask them to make two equal groups.

Teachers

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

Home educators

Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with counting games, cooking jobs for adults to lead and everyday talk about pairs. Print it again later for brothers, sisters or revision.

Where doubling fits

Before doubling, children count objects, add two small numbers and make equal groups. These skills help them see why a double is two matching amounts.

After doubling, children can move on to halving, which is the reverse. They can also count in twos, fives and tens, and later meet the 2, 5 and 10 times tables in Year 2.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Doubling to 20 for?

It is written for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1. Children who need extra support, or who are ready for more, can also use it with the help and stretch ideas on page 2.

What will children practise?

Children practise doubling, number facts and mental maths. They find the total of two equal amounts, using counters, pictures or fingers to help if they need them.

How do I use it?

Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to your child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for yourself. Work through the first few questions together, then let your child try alone.

What if it feels too hard?

Use two equal groups of counters and count them all. Say each sum out loud as you go. Try just a few questions at a time and come back to the rest on another day.

Is it free?

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

How long does it take?

It depends on the child, so there is no set time. Let them work at their own pace and stop when they tire. They can finish page 1 in more than one sitting.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It is a screen free printable that needs only paper and a pencil. Counters are helpful but optional. It works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.

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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