Written Methods for Adding Large Numbers

Maths: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 5.2.1

Adding Numbers with More than 4 Digits

When adding larger numbers, you use written methods to show your workings. You should use the column method for adding.

Column method

Column method

Line up the place value in the two numbers you are trying to add.
I'm trying to do 2,376 + 4,452 here.

Start at the 'ones'

Start at the 'ones'

Start by adding from the 'ones' column.
The 'ones' column has the calculation 6 + 2 = 8.

Next, you add the 'tens'

Next, you add the 'tens'

Next, you move to the 'tens' column.
The 'tens' column has the calculation 7 + 5 = 12.
You cannot put in 12 'tens' in your answer.
You need to place the 2 in the answer for the 'tens' and carry 10 (from the 12) to the 'hundreds' column.

Next, you add the 'hundreds'

Next, you add the 'hundreds'

Next, you move to the 'hundreds' column.
The 'hundreds' column has the calculation 3 + 4 + 1 = 8.
Don't forget to add the 1 you carried from the 'tens' column.

Finally, you add the 'thousands'

Finally, you add the 'thousands'

Finally, you move to the 'thousands' column.
The 'thousands' column has the calculation 2 + 4 = 6.

Test yourself on Written Methods for Adding Large Numbers

What is the missing number in the 'hundreds' column of this addition?
What is the missing number in the 'thousands' column of this addition?
What is the missing number in the 'hundreds' column of this addition?
What is the missing number in the 'thousands' column of this addition?

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