Number bonds Worksheets
Number bonds are simply pairs of numbers that add up to a given number. For example, the number bonds for 9 are 9 + 0, 8 + 1, 7 + 2, 6 + 3, and 5 + 4 (plus these with the two numbers switched). Number bonds for number X are all the possible combinations of two numbers with the sum of X.
Number bonds help children learn the STRUCTURES inherent in the basic addition facts. Using number bonds allows children to approach addition facts from a conceptual point of view, instead of memorizing them randomly or in sets of +1 facts, +2 facts, and so on.
To initially teach number bonds, show them to children in a pattern (below for 8):
8 + 0 = 8 7 + 1 = 8 6 + 2 = 8 5 + 3 = 8 4 + 4 = 8 3 + 5 = 8 2 + 6 = 8 1 + 7 = 8 0 + 8 = 8
All you need to do is show children how to make this pattern, and then let them write it all out themselves on a blank paper with various colors. It's great fun for children to understand the pattern! At first, you can help them by writing the list of numbers from 8 down to 0 (vertically).
Here's a colorful poster for the patterns in the number bonds just like what I wrote above. However, I still feel it's far better for children to write the addition facts themselves – they can use lots of color to make it fun.
You can also use the worksheets below to help children further practice number bonds and their addition facts. If the number you want a number bond worksheet for is not listed, use the generator to make a worksheet for that number yourself.
Basic instructions for the worksheets
Each worksheet is randomly generated and thus unique. The answer key is automatically generated and is placed on the second page of the file.
You can generate the worksheets either in html or PDF format — both are easy to print. To get the PDF worksheet, simply push the button titled "Create PDF" or "Make PDF worksheet". To get the worksheet in html format, push the button "View in browser" or "Make html worksheet". This has the advantage that you can save the worksheet directly from your browser (choose File → Save) and then edit it in Word or other word processing program.
Sometimes the generated worksheet is not exactly what you want. Just try again! To get a different worksheet using the same options:
- PDF format: come back to this page and push the button again.
- Html format: simply refresh the worksheet page in your browser window.
Number bonds worksheets for grade 1
![]() Number bonds with 8 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 9 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 10 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 10 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
Number bonds worksheets for grade 2
![]() Number bonds with 11 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 11 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 12 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 12 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 13 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 13 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 14 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 14 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 15 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 15 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 20 View in browser Create PDF |
![]() Number bonds with 20 problems written vertically View in browser Create PDF |
Generator
Use the generator below to create a number bond worksheet for any number you like.