Counting On Strategy for Addition
The counting on strategy is one of the first and most natural ways to add two numbers. Instead of counting all objects from scratch, you start at one number and count forward by the other.
How Counting On Works
- Identify the two numbers to add.
- Start at the larger number in your head.
- Count forward by the number of steps equal to the smaller number.
- Where you land is the sum.
6 + 3: Start at 6, count on 3 steps: 7, 8, 9
Why Start at the Larger Number?
Addition is commutative, so 6 + 3 = 3 + 6. However, starting at the larger number means fewer steps, making the calculation faster and reducing the chance of error.
2 + 9: do NOT count from 2 (9 steps). Start at 9, count on 2: 10, 11. Much faster!
Examples
| Problem | Start at | Count on | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + 3 | 5 | 6, 7, 8 | 8 |
| 8 + 4 | 8 | 9, 10, 11, 12 | 12 |
| 1 + 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
| 7 + 6 | 7 | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 | 13 |
Counting On with Tens
For larger numbers, count on in tens first, then ones. This combines counting on with place value understanding.
34 + 22: start at 34, count on two tens: 44, 54; then count on 2 ones: 55, 56. Answer: 56
Limitations of Counting On
Counting on is excellent for small second numbers (0–5). For larger addends, strategies like splitting, column addition or mental maths tricks are more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Start at the larger number and count forward by the smaller.
- Use fingers, a number line, or your head to track the count.
- Most effective when the second addend is small (1–5).
- Building from counting on to splitting strategies naturally increases speed.
Practice Questions
- Use counting on to find 7 + 4.
- Use counting on to find 3 + 12 (start at the larger number).
- Why is it better to start counting from the larger number?
- Use counting on in tens to find 45 + 30.
- A child scores 8 points and then scores 5 more. Use counting on to find the total.