Math Lab

Finger Addition (under 10)

Addition · Class I

Add two small numbers using fingers on both hands.

2
type a value
05
3
type a value
05
Live values
  • Total fingers up5
Live readout
Total fingers up5
Left hand2
Right hand3

Formulas in this lab

  • Total fingers up
    a+ba + b
Tip: Show 'a' fingers on one hand and 'b' on the other, then count them all!

Frequently asked questions

What is finger addition?

Finger addition is adding two small numbers by showing them on your fingers and counting the total. If you raise 3 fingers on one hand and 4 on the other, you have 7 fingers in all.

How do I use this finger adder?

Choose the first number on the left slider and the second number on the right slider. The lab will draw both hands and show the total. Try to say the answer before the screen does.

When do we add using fingers?

If you have 2 chocolates and your friend gives you 3 more, you can count on your fingers to find 5. Adding marbles, pencils, or small sweets at home works the same way.

Tip for finger adding

Always start with the bigger number in your head, then count up using the smaller one on your fingers. For 2 plus 6, say 6 and count 7, 8 on two fingers. That is faster than starting from 2.