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Thirds and Quarters Worksheet for Year 2 (Free Printable)
- ForYear 2 (Free Printable)
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Thirds and Quarters is a free printable fractions worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). It has 18 questions in three steps, then a challenge question. Children practise the Year 2 fractions 1/3, 1/4, 2/4 and 3/4, and link them to sharing equally. Page 2 gives the grown-up the answers and teacher notes.
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 the 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. There is space to write each answer. The questions practise recognising, naming, finding and writing thirds and quarters, in line with the Year 2 fractions strand. The sheet builds on sharing equally and on early division, so counters and quick sketches are welcome helpers.
Worked example: finding a fraction of a set
There are 21 counters. What is 1/3 of 21?
This example shows two ways to work. Your child can use either way, or one of their own, on the sheet.
Method 1: share into equal groups- The bottom number is 3, so make 3 equal groups.
- Deal the 21 counters one at a time into the 3 groups until none are left.
- Count one group. Each group has 7 counters.
- Thirds mean sharing into 3 equal parts, so work out 21 ÷ 3.
- Think of the 3 times table: 3 × 7 = 21.
- So 21 ÷ 3 = 7.
Ways to show a fraction
Counters in groups
Deal counters into equal groups, one at a time, so every group gets the same. Count one group to find the fraction of the set.
Folded paper strips
Fold a strip of paper into equal parts. Open it out and colour one part. Fold, colour and compare strips to see how the parts differ.
Quick drawings
Draw a shape and split it into equal parts. Check that every part is the same size before shading one part.
Number sentences
Write a short division sentence beside the fraction. Seeing both together shows that finding a fraction of a set is sharing.
Understanding thirds and quarters
A fraction names equal parts of a whole. The key word is equal. If the parts are not the same size, they are not thirds or quarters. The bottom number of a fraction tells you how many equal parts the whole is split into. The top number tells you how many of those parts you are talking about. Children often meet this first with food, paper and toys.
Finding a fraction of a set of objects is closely linked to sharing. To find a third, share the objects into three equal groups. To find a quarter, share them into four equal groups. This is why fractions and division sit together in Year 2. Children who can share fairly and count in steps usually find fractions much easier.
Skills and curriculum link
- Recognising thirds and quarters
- Naming and writing fractions
- Finding a fraction of a set
- Sharing equally
- Early division
- Explaining your thinking
Ideas to help your child
- Equal parts matterAlways ask, "Are the parts the same size?" Unequal parts cannot be called thirds or quarters, however many there are.
- Read the bottom number firstThe bottom number says how many equal groups or parts to make. Start there each time.
- Say it aloudSay "one third" or "one quarter" while pointing at one part. Hearing the words helps children link them to the symbols.
- Use real thingsToys, buttons, pencils and paper strips make fractions concrete. Let your child share them out before writing anything down.
Key words
- FractionA number that names one or more equal parts of a whole.
- WholeThe complete amount or shape before it is split up.
- Equal partsParts that are exactly the same size or amount.
- ThirdOne of three equal parts of a whole. It is written 1/3.
- QuarterOne of four equal parts of a whole. It is written 1/4.
- Share equallyGive out items so that every group gets the same number.
How to use it
- Print both pages on A4. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the answers and notes.
- Read the first question aloud together. Ask your child what the bottom number of the fraction is telling them.
- Let your child choose how to work. Counters, a quick drawing or a times table fact are all fine.
- Check together using page 2. Ask, "How did you work that out?" The thinking matters as much as the answer.
- Come back 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
Use counters. Share them into equal groups and count one group. For thirds, make three groups. For quarters, make four. Deal the counters out one at a time so the groups stay fair. Try a few questions first and return to the rest later.
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 by sharing counters into equal groups. Can you explain why your questions work with the numbers you chose?
Make it a game
Take a pile of 12 counters. A partner chooses thirds or quarters. Share the counters into that many equal groups and count one group. Say the fraction aloud. Swap roles. Score a point for each correct answer.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child splits a shape or set into parts that are not equal, but still calls them thirds or quarters.
Try thisAsk them to check that every part matches. Fold paper or deal counters one at a time so each group is the same.
Watch forA child thinks 1/4 is bigger than 1/3 because 4 is bigger than 3.
Try thisFold two paper strips, one into three parts and one into four. Compare one part from each and talk about what they see.
Watch forA child counts all the counters instead of one group.
Try thisRemind them that a third or a quarter is one group only. Cover the other groups with a hand and count what is left showing.
Talk about it
- What does the bottom number of a fraction tell us?
- How do you know the parts are equal?
- How would you share these counters between three friends?
- Why does sharing into four groups make smaller groups than sharing into three?
- Where have you seen a quarter or a third at home?
- How did you check your answer?
Take it off the page
Fair shares with toys
Collect a pile of small toys or buttons. Share them into three or four equal groups and say the fraction each group shows.
Paper strip folding
Fold paper strips into thirds and quarters. Colour one part of each, label it and compare the strips.
Fraction hunt
Look around the home for things split into equal parts, such as a tray, a window or a set of crayons. Talk about how many equal parts there are. If food is involved, an adult does any cutting.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Keep sessions short and relaxed. If they get stuck, hand them counters and ask them to share the items out. Praise effort and clear explaining.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The three steps allow gentle progression, and page 2 offers support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan. It pairs well with practical sharing, baking supervised by an adult, and paper folding. You can print it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this fits in maths
In Year 1, children recognise, find and name a half and a quarter of an object, shape or quantity. Year 2 builds on this by adding thirds and by working with 2/4 and 3/4. Secure sharing and counting skills from earlier years make this step easier.
In Year 3, children work with unit and non unit fractions with small denominators, fractions of a set of objects, and equivalent fractions. Confidence with equal parts and sharing in Year 2 gives them a firm base for that work.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Thirds and Quarters for?
It is written for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7), in Key Stage 1. Confident Year 1 children may enjoy it with support, and older children can use it as revision.
- What will children practise?
They practise recognising, naming, finding and writing thirds and quarters. They link fractions to sharing equally and to division. The sheet has 18 questions in three steps and a challenge question.
- How do I use the sheet?
Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for the adult. Work through the first questions together, then let your child try alone.
- What if my child finds it hard?
Use counters. Share them into equal groups and count one group. Make three groups for thirds and four for quarters. Try 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.
- 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 includes help and stretch ideas.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children only need a pencil, and counters are a useful extra.
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.