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Number bonds to 10 and 100

For: Ages 5-8. Updated 2026-10-15.

A number bond is a pair of numbers that join to make a total. The bonds to 10 are 0 + 10, 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6 and 5 + 5, plus the same pairs swapped. Knowing them by heart makes almost every later calculation faster.

Ten-frame practice

A ten-frame is a 2 × 5 grid. Put 7 counters in it and ask "How many more to fill it?" The child can see the 3 empty squares without counting from zero. After a few days, cover the frame for a second and ask again.

From 10 to 100

Bond to 10Bond to 100
3 + 730 + 70
6 + 460 + 40
8 + 280 + 20

Bonds to 100 with ones digits are a step harder: 64 + 36. The ones must make 10 (4 + 6), so the tens only need to make 90 (60 + 30). A common slip is answering 46, because the child made each place up to 10 separately.

Using bonds to subtract

To work out 100 - 58, think "58 and what makes 100?" Two takes you to 60, then forty more to 100: the answer is 42. This counting-on method avoids borrowing altogether.

Fill the gap

Write the missing number in each gap.

  1. 7 + ___ = 10
  2. 40 + ___ = 100
  3. 23 + ___ = 100
  4. 100 - 65 = ___
Show answers
  1. 3
  2. 60
  3. 77
  4. 35

Keep learning

Skip counting and multiples: patterns to look forSkip counting by 2, 5, 10, 3 and 9, the digit patterns each one makes, and how skip counting turns into the times tables.Comparing and ordering numbers with < and >A step-by-step method for comparing whole numbers of any size, how to remember the inequality signs, and ordering practice with answers.Rounding to the nearest 10 and 100Rounding with a number line, the halfway rule, and why rounding is useful for estimating and checking answers.