Add 2 moves up two steps on the number line, and it is the first family where children start to notice odd and even numbers.

Counting on from 2

  1. 3
  2. 4
  3. 5
  4. 6
  5. 7
  6. 8
  7. 9
  8. 10
  9. 11
  10. 12
  11. 13
  12. 14

Because 2 is even, the answer is even exactly when the other number is even: 2 + 4 = 6 is even and 2 + 5 = 7 is odd.

Tip for the add 2 facts

Count on by two using the next two numbers: for 2 + 7, say 8, then 9. An even number stays even and an odd number stays odd when you add 2.

The 3 hardest facts

Crossing ten is the hard part: 2 + 8 reaches 10 exactly and 2 + 9 goes past it. Picture a ten frame with two extra dots.

Turnaround facts

Swapping the numbers gives the same answer, so each fact below is learned once and used twice.

Play the add 2 facts game

Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.

One US Letter page, clear in black and white.

Download the PDF

Questions parents ask

Does add 2 help with doubling?

Yes. 2 + 2 is the first double, and seeing 2 + 3 as double 2 plus 1 gives 5 without counting.

How can my child check add 2 answers?

Take 2 away from the answer and see whether the other number comes back: if 2 + 9 = 11, then 11 - 2 should give 9.