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Addition · Grade 1

Addition Worksheets Within 20

Move from counting every object to using a known number. Each sum is 20 or less, with space to show a counting-on or make-ten strategy.

18 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
Generate & printSee the worked example

Why start from the number you already know?

Mia has eight counters and adds five more. She starts counting all the counters from one again. This works, but she can use the eight she has already counted: keep eight in mind and count five more numbers.

Count on from 8:

9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13

Five counting steps lead to 13, so 8 + 5 = 13.

Another way: make a ten

Eight needs two more to become ten. Split the five into two and three. Add the two to eight, then add the remaining three. Moving the counters into a group of ten does not add or remove anything.

8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13

If the child gets 12: they may have counted eight as the first new number. Point to the starting group and ask, “Which number comes after eight when we add the first counter?” The first new number is nine.

Choose a strategy that fits the problem

For 15 + 1, counting on once is enough. For 9 + 6, making ten may be easier. This worksheet includes both smaller and larger starting numbers; it is not a set of single-digit pairs only. The goal is to connect a strategy to the numbers, rather than to force every problem into the same method.

Before independent practice, ask the child to tell you which two amounts are being combined. Let them explain one answer using counters, a drawing, or spoken counting. The blank space under each calculation can hold a short sketch or a number sentence.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

Print materials

After the practice

Ask the child to choose one answer and explain it another way. For 8 + 5, they might make ten or count on. If an answer is incorrect, look for a skipped counting step before asking them to start the whole page again. The answer key gives totals; drawings and strategies may differ.

More about addition · Grade 1 worksheets

Grade 1 selected skill connection: 1.OA.C.6. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.