Let’s face it, math doesn’t come easy to everyone. Trust me, I struggle with it myself! That’s why I’ve rounded up these board games that help with math. Sometimes turning things into a game rather than schoolwork can be a lifesaver!
Let’s check out the games…
Mobi
- All players work independently to create math equations as quickly as possible
- Players have to connect their equations in a crossword grid
- The player who can connect their tiles fastest is the winner of the game
- All numbers are on a blue tiles, while operations are on white tiles
- Each player starts with 7 tiles and has to pick up 3 more tiles at a time as the game progresses
- As players form their equations and get down to just one tile, they shout “flip,” which causes all players to pick up 3 more tiles
- The first player who can connect all their number tiles wins
Math Noodlers
- Instead of making players work out all included problems with pencil and paper, this game has manipulatives as well.
- Great for use in groups or to help support a student during one-on-one play.
- Covers a wide variety of concepts, including decimals, money and time, graphing, measurement, fractions, as well as addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division.
- Children who have problems with math can easily play with an adult on their team until they no longer need the extra support.
- Great way to practice extra math skills at home.
- Offers a mix of easier and more challenging questions, which will give students the feeling of success when playing the game.
Tiny Polka Dot
- Included are 16 different games that are all easy to learn and help children learn about and appreciate numbers.
- The colorful and bright designs make the game more visually interesting.
- Thanks to how easily the games can be adapted, it’s simple to make the game more difficult, if necessary, or to create easier play for other children.
- The fun games will keep children interested without them realizing that they are learning at the same time.
- Great for ages 3 to 8 and games take from 5 to 15 minutes.
- Can be used in groups up to 6, but also great for one person to play at a time.
- This dice game requires luck when rolling the dice, but then players have to try to decide how to best put their dice together for the highest score.
- As players keep track of their score on their cards, they can reroll some of their dice in order to try to get the most of each kind.
- Perfect for 2 or more players.
- Game does a great job reinforcing numbers on dice, looking for patterns, and how to understand probability.
- The quality shaker will last through lots of games, and the dice are clear and easy to read, which allows younger players to enjoy the game and manipulated numbers.
Sequence Numbers
- In this version of Sequence, players work in teams to try to get 5 chips in a row on the board while stopping opposing teams from being able to score.
- Players have cards with math facts on them, and then they can cover up numbers on the board based on the cards in their hands.
- The fast gameplay requires players to be able to think on their feet and to quickly understand the math facts in their hands so that they can work with their teammate.
- The numbers are color coded which helps players more easily find the number on the board.
Head Full of Numbers
- There are 6 dice placed into the shaker and then rolled out and put into the tray.
- Players set the included timer and use the score pad to start recording the different equations that they find in the dice.
- Each player has to understand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in order to find the most equations in the rolled dice.
- Since the dice feature numbers 0 to 9, it is easy to study many math facts without being limited by 6-sided dice.
- Great game for children who are comfortable with basic math facts to practice the ones that they already know and to improve their math abilities.
Sums in Space
- This is an addition and subtraction game that requires players to compare numbers, learn odds and evens, and try to complete math equations.
- Players can opt to play a cooperative game or to compete with each other, depending on the skill level and confidence of the players.
- There are 3 difficulty levels to choose from, which is great as children improve their math skills and need more difficult problems.
- Teams work to hunt for the nicest space crystals in the area, but after a black hole forms, they have to rely on math skills in order to escape.
- The game board is designed for players to have an easy time moving, which boosts confidence.
tri-FACTa
- All players have numbered playing cards that are divided at the start of the game.
- The gameboard is in a triangle shape and provides a visual clue to help players easily complete the fact families on the board.
- The first player who can play all of their cards is the winner.
- With 100 cards that go up to math facts of 20 and 4 trays, this is a great family game.
- Because there isn’t any language dependence, this game is great for pre-readers who may otherwise struggle to play.
Pop for Addition & Subtraction
- During this game, players compete to try to keep the gumballs in the game.
- As players practice their math facts and get answers correct, they are allowed to keep the gumballs.
- Game focuses on subtraction, addition, and fast fluency.
- There are 90 math fact cards, 10 POP cards, and a spinner.
- Great for 2 to 4 players, and games finish quickly, which is great for when players are in a hurry.
Snap it Up Math: Addition and Subtraction
- This fast-paced game is designed to help children build their math skills in a fun and easy way.
- Players choose and pass their cards quickly as they add and subtract numbers.
- There are 90 brightly colored cards, which is great for replay value.
- The first player who is able to create 3 equations correctly is the winner.
- Since this game relies on addition and subtraction only up to 20, it’s great for player who aren’t sure about their math facts.
- Short rounds allow this game to be played quickly, and since there is very little setup, it’s possible to start playing right away.
4-Way Countdown
- During this fun game, players try to get all numbers between 1 and 10 with the 2 included dice and by using simple math facts.
- The score is easy to mark using wooden pegs that can be flipped over when a number is made.
- While similar to the classic game “Shut the Box,” this game has additional variations.
- Players can’t use the 2 dice as separate numbers to flip over 2 pegs, but they have to use a math operation to create one number.
- Great for practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly and in a low-pressure way.
Smath
- While similar in design to Scrabble, this math game has players making math equations and laying them out in a crossword design on the board.
- Using numbers and math symbols, players have to make equations that are correct and then fit them into the board.
- Since it’s easy to use numbers and symbols that are on the board as a part of your equation, players can easily build a large crossword design.
- The quality pieces won’t rub off or fade, which means that this game can be played for a long time without the pieces being worn out.
- Supports play up to 4 players, but teams are possible if younger players need the help.
Pete the Cat Cool Cat Math Game
- Game correlates with Common Core, which means that parents can use it at home to reinforce learning at school.
- Has interesting questions that players will enjoy answering and that are much more fun than simply reciting math facts.
- With 120 cards, gameplay will last for a long time, and the game has great replay value.
- Players answer questions in the game to try to collect buttons.
- The player who has the most buttons at the end of the game is the winner.
- The buttons are brightly colored, which will help to keep the interest of younger players.
- Great game for 2 to 4 players.
Mine Your Numbers
- All players need to try to find the right combination of symbols and numbers to try to earn more points and win the game.
- Once a child is at least 8, they will likely be able to handle the game.
- One box is for 2 players, but additional boxes can be added to allow more players to play at the same time.
- While the game is easy to learn, it is challenging and will require players to practice multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting single digit numbers.
- Players play for 9 rounds and try to use the best combination of symbols and numbers for the winning combination.
Yahtzee
Subtraction Tracks
- There are 13 racetrack pieces that are interchangeable, which means that each time the game is played, the board can be completely new.
- With 4 playing pieces, 3 accessories, and die, this game has everything needed to start playing right away.
- Does a great job teaching simple subtraction.
- Each player has a train that they have to move around the track by answering questions that are on each part of the track.
- Since there are answers underneath flaps on the pieces, children can easily enjoy this game on their own without requiring an adult to play with them to monitor their answers.