How to Play Counting Frame

Counting Frame is a virtual abacus, a classic tool for seeing how numbers and place value work.

What is Counting Frame?

Move beads along the rods to show numbers. Each rod has its own colour for a place value: ones, tens, hundreds and so on. Use it to build numbers, add, subtract or multiply by grouping beads.

How to play Counting Frame

Click or drag beads to move them.

Step by step

1. Start with all beads pushed away.
2. Move beads on the ones rod to show a number from 1 to 9.
3. For 10, clear the ones rod and move one bead on the tens rod.
4. Build bigger numbers rod by rod, from left (largest) to right (ones).
5. Add by moving more beads; trade 10 ones for 1 ten when a rod fills.

Strategy tips to play better

• Read each rod as a digit: 3 tens beads and 4 ones beads is 34.
• When adding makes 10 or more on a rod, trade: clear 10 beads and add one to the next rod.
• For subtraction, borrow by trading one bead on the higher rod for 10 on the rod to its right.
• Say the place value names out loud as you move beads.

What kids learn

• Place value
• Counting
• Addition and subtraction
• Regrouping

For parents and teachers

Great for ages 5 to 9, especially when learning place value and carrying in addition.