Free Number Bonds to 10 Rainbow Poster
Help a child see which two numbers make 10 with a bright, uncluttered A4 maths poster designed for Reception, Year 1 and early KS1 practice.
Printing tip: Choose A4 portrait and “actual size” or 100% scale. Turn on background graphics if your browser offers that option.
What are number bonds to 10?
Number bonds are pairs of numbers that combine to make a total. The number bonds to 10 are 0 and 10, 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, and 5 and 5. Children may also hear them described as number pairs, addition pairs, pairs that make 10 or complements to 10.
Knowing these facts securely makes later mental maths easier. If a child quickly recognises that 7 needs 3 to make 10, they can use that relationship when solving addition and subtraction questions. For example, the same understanding supports 7 + 3 = 10, 10 − 7 = 3 and 10 − 3 = 7.
How the number bonds rainbow works
Each coloured arc joins two numbers that total 10. The widest arc links 0 and 10. The next joins 1 and 9, then 2 and 8, 3 and 7, and 4 and 6. The small loop over 5 reminds children that 5 and 5 also make 10.
The visual pattern helps children notice that one number increases while its partner decreases. Move from the outside towards the middle: 0 becomes 1, then 2, while 10 becomes 9, then 8. The total stays the same. This is more useful than treating every addition fact as an unrelated answer to memorise.
For Reception children
Keep practice playful and brief. Point to one side of an arc and let the child trace it with a finger to discover the matching number. Use ten counters, buttons or building bricks to check the answer physically. Some Reception children will work confidently with bonds to 10; others may first need secure bonds within 5.
For Year 1 children
Use the poster as a prompt, then gradually cover it during quick-fire practice. Ask questions in different forms: “What goes with 6?”, “How many more does 8 need?” and “If I have 3, how many are missing from 10?” This builds flexible understanding rather than simple chanting.
Five easy ways to use this free maths printable
- Trace and say: ask the child to trace one rainbow arc and say the complete calculation aloud.
- Hide one side: cover the numbers from 6 to 10 and ask the child to recall each hidden partner.
- Match objects: make a group of 10 counters in two colours, such as 4 blue and 6 yellow, then find the same pair on the poster.
- Find the missing number: say “7 plus something equals 10” and let the child use the arcs if they need support.
- Reverse the fact: after saying 2 + 8 = 10, swap it to 8 + 2 = 10 and discuss why the total does not change.
Why learn pairs that make 10?
Ten is central to our number system, so children meet it repeatedly in early maths. Fluent recall can support bridging through 10, place value and mental calculation. A child who knows that 8 needs 2 to make 10 can approach 8 + 5 by making 10 first: split 5 into 2 and 3, calculate 8 + 2, and then add the remaining 3.
The poster should be a support rather than a test. Give children time to use objects, fingers, drawings and spoken explanations. Confidence usually grows through short, repeated encounters. A minute or two each day is often more manageable than one long worksheet session.
Frequently asked questions
What age is this number bonds poster for?
It is designed mainly for children aged about 4–7, including Reception and Year 1. Children develop at different rates, so use their current understanding rather than age alone.
Does 5 + 5 count as a number bond to 10?
Yes. Five paired with another five totals 10. The central loop on the rainbow poster represents this double.
Should children memorise number bonds?
Quick recall is useful, but understanding comes first. Let children build and split groups of 10 with real objects, explain what they notice, and then practise recall.
Can I use the poster in a classroom?
Yes. You may print it for personal, home-education or classroom use. Please do not sell the file or upload the printable itself to another website.
