Maths topics

Maths topics fit together like cells in a honeycomb. Fractions lean on times tables, and times tables lean on counting, so every cell you fill makes the next one stronger!

Every topic in primary maths, explained for the grown-ups who help at home or in class. Each guide sets out what children learn in each year group, the big ideas with pictures and real numbers, the mistakes to look out for, quick games to play and free worksheets with answers.

All topics

Counting and place valueCounting objects, then ones, tens and hundreds, reading big numbers and putting numbers in order.

Addition and subtractionFrom number bonds and counting on to mental methods and the column method.

Multiplication and divisionEqual groups and arrays, every times table, and short and long written methods.

FractionsHalves and quarters in Year 1 through to adding, multiplying and simplifying fractions in Year 6.

Decimals and percentagesTenths and hundredths, what per cent really means, and how they link to fractions.

Telling the timeO'clock and half past, then minutes, Roman numerals and the 24-hour clock.

MoneyRecognising coins and notes, adding up prices and working out change.

MeasurementLength, mass and capacity, converting units, and perimeter, area and volume.

Shape and geometry2D and 3D shapes, angles, symmetry, position, direction and coordinates.

Data and graphsTally charts, pictograms and bar charts, then line graphs, pie charts and the mean.

Algebra and ratioMissing-number problems, sequences, simple formulas, ratio and scaling recipes.

Mental mathsThe facts to know by heart and the strategies for working the rest out in your head.

Where to start, by age

Every topic runs through primary school, but some matter most at certain ages. If you're not sure where to begin, these are good first stops. Mental maths runs alongside all of them.

Age	Good topics to start with
4 to 6 Reception and Year 1	Counting and place value, addition and subtraction (number bonds to 10, then 20) and shape.
6 to 8 Year 2 and Year 3	Multiplication and division (the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, then 3, 4 and 8), money, telling the time and data and graphs.
8 to 9 Year 4	Multiplication and division (all the tables to 12 × 12, for the Multiplication Tables Check in June), fractions and measurement.
9 to 11 Year 5 and Year 6	Fractions, decimals and percentages, algebra and ratio, and data and graphs, ready for the Key Stage 2 SATs in May of Year 6.

Indie's tip

If your child is stuck on a topic, it is often worth going back a step rather than pushing on. A wobble with fractions can come from times tables, and a wobble with column subtraction can come from place value. Each guide's year-by-year table shows what comes before.

Practise with Indie

Beequation Kids turns number facts into honeycomb puzzles, with Indie giving a hint when a child is stuck. No ads and no data collected.

Play free in your browser Free worksheets