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What math should a kindergartener know?
Kindergarten math is about numbers as amounts. By the end of the year, the Common Core standards used in many US states expect children to count to 100 by ones and by tens, count a group of up to 20 objects, write numbers from 0 to 20, and compare two numbers.
Children also start adding and subtracting within 10, often with fingers or objects, and are expected to be fluent adding and subtracting within 5.
Examples of kindergarten math
- Counting objects: touching each one once and knowing the last number said is how many there are.
- Adding within 10: 3 + 4 = 7, with blocks or fingers.
- Subtracting within 10: 9 − 5 = 4.
- Comparing: 8 > 6, because 8 is more than 6.
- Making 10: 6 + 4 = 10 and 7 + 3 = 10.
6 kindergarten practice questions
- 2 + 3 = ?
- 4 + 4 = ?
- 7 − 2 = ?
- 10 − 6 = ?
- 5 + 5 = ?
- 6 + ? = 10
Show answers
- 2 + 3 = 5
- 4 + 4 = 8
- 7 − 2 = 5
- 10 − 6 = 4
- 5 + 5 = 10
- 6 + 4 = 10
Tips for parents
- Count everyday things: stairs, grapes, cars.
- Ask "how many more?" questions: "You have 3, I have 5. Who has more?"
- Fingers are a good tool at this age. Don't discourage them.
Questions parents ask
Should a kindergartener be able to count to 100?
That's a common end-of-year goal in US kindergarten standards: counting to 100 by ones and by tens. Many children get there during the year, not at the start.