Add 4 is a double of the double: 2 + 2 is 4, so this family builds straight on add 2.

Counting on from 4

  1. 5
  2. 6
  3. 7
  4. 8
  5. 9
  6. 10
  7. 11
  8. 12
  9. 13
  10. 14
  11. 15
  12. 16

Answers climb one at a time from 5 to 16, and the double 4 + 4 = 8 sits at the fourth step as an anchor.

Tip for the add 4 facts

Add 2 twice. For 4 + 7, 7 + 2 = 9 and 9 + 2 = 11. Or use the double 4 + 4 = 8 and count from there: 4 + 5 is one more.

The 3 hardest facts

These sit just past ten. Use the double 4 + 4 = 8 and count on: 4 + 7 is 4 + 4 + 3.

Turnaround facts

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

Play the add 4 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

Why teach doubles with add 4?

A double like 4 + 4 is easy to remember and gives its neighbors for free: 4 + 5 is one more than 8, which is 9.

How long does add 4 take to learn?

Most children need about a week of ten minutes a day. Start with 4 + 1 to 4 + 5 and add the second half once the first feels easy.