Counting Worksheets

Counting is more than saying numbers in order. Children also need to recognise each digit, link it to its number word and write it neatly. This worksheet puts the numeral and the word on every line, such as 1 one and 2 two, so your child traces both.

Use the Counting Range box to choose where to start and stop, from 0 up to 1000. Count by 1s, 2s, 5s or 10s, choose 5, 10 or 20 numbers per page, and switch the number words on or off. The pages are worked out for you, so counting 1 to 100 with 10 numbers per page makes 10 pages. You can also type your own list in the text box; press Enter to put each item on a new line.

Making Counting Practice Fun

Count real objects as you trace: buttons, toy cars or snacks. Say the number out loud as you write it and touch one object for each count. Short and frequent works best, and five minutes a day is plenty.

It is very common for young children to write some digits backwards, especially 2, 3 and 5. Don’t worry. Keep tracing in the dotted style so they follow the correct shape, and praise the effort.

Tips for Writing Each Digit

Most digits start at the top, so remind your child to place the pencil there. A 1 is a straight line down, a 2 curves round and slides along the bottom, and a 3 is two bumps. Say the movement aloud as you trace, such as “down, round, slide”, and keep sessions short.

Counting in Fives and Tens

Once counting to 20 feels easy, set Count by to 5s or 10s to skip count (5, 10, 15, 20, or 10, 20, 30 up to 100). Starting from a different number, such as 21 to 40, is a good way to practise the teen and twenty patterns.

Number Words and Early Spelling

The words one to ten are some of the first sight words children read. Point out patterns, such as the double e in three and the silent gh in eight. Tracing the numeral and the word side by side links what a number looks like with how it is spelled.

Ready-Made Counting Pages

Looking for a specific range? Try our ready-made pages for counting 1 to 20, counting 1 to 100, number words, skip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. Each one opens with the settings already chosen, and you can still change the range.

More free printables: alphabet and number tracing worksheets, days of the week worksheets, months of the year worksheets, body parts worksheets, blank handwriting paper.

Helpful guides: pre-writing activities for preschoolers, how to teach a child to write their name.