Addition of Numbers — Grade 2 Mathematics
In Grade 2, we move beyond single digits. We now add 2-digit and 3-digit numbers, learn to use column addition, and handle carrying (also called regrouping). These skills help us solve larger, real-world problems with ease and confidence.
Place Value Reminder
Before adding large numbers, remember that every digit has a place value:
Hundreds | Tens | Ones
In the number 347:
3 is in the Hundreds place = 300
4 is in the Tens place = 40
7 is in the Ones place = 7
Always add the Ones first, then Tens, then Hundreds!
Hundreds | Tens | Ones
In the number 347:
3 is in the Hundreds place = 300
4 is in the Tens place = 40
7 is in the Ones place = 7
Always add the Ones first, then Tens, then Hundreds!
💡 Tip: When the sum of a column is 10 or more, write the units digit below and carry the tens digit to the next column on the left.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — 2-Digit Addition (No Carrying)
Work out 34 + 25 using column addition.
3 4
+2 5
5 9
- Ones: 4 + 5 = 9. Write 9.
- Tens: 3 + 2 = 5. Write 5.
- Answer: 59
Example 2 — 2-Digit Addition (With Carrying)
Work out 47 + 36.
1
4 7
+3 6
8 3
- Ones: 7 + 6 = 13. Write 3, carry 1 to the tens.
- Tens: 4 + 3 + 1(carried) = 8. Write 8.
- Answer: 83
Example 3 — Real World: 3-Digit Addition
A school library has 256 fiction books and 178 non-fiction books. How many books are there altogether?
1 1
2 5 6
+1 7 8
4 3 4
- Ones: 6 + 8 = 14. Write 4, carry 1.
- Tens: 5 + 7 + 1 = 13. Write 3, carry 1.
- Hundreds: 2 + 1 + 1 = 4. Write 4.
- Answer: 434 books 📚
Practice Questions
1. 52 + 37 = ?
✅ 52 + 37 = 89
2. 68 + 45 = ? (with carrying)
✅ 68 + 45 = 113 (8+5=13, write 3 carry 1; 6+4+1=11, write 1 carry 1; hundreds: 1)
3. A farmer collects 325 eggs on Monday and 248 eggs on Tuesday. How many eggs in total?
✅ 325 + 248 = 573 eggs
4. 199 + 201 = ?
✅ 199 + 201 = 400
5. What must be added to 375 to make 600?
✅ 600 − 375 = 225. So 375 + 225 = 600.
Key Points to Remember
- Always line up digits by place value (Ones under Ones, Tens under Tens).
- Add from right to left: Ones → Tens → Hundreds.
- If a column totals 10 or more, carry the extra tens to the next column.
- Addition is commutative: 47 + 36 = 36 + 47.
- Check your answer by adding in the opposite order.