Mental Math: Adding Doubles and Near Doubles Worksheets
When students begin learning to add, some facts come easily, while others need practice. One of the most powerful early math strategies is using doubles and near doubles. These strategies provide kids with tools to tackle problems effectively.
What Are Doubles and Near Doubles?
Doubles are addition facts where the same number is added to itself, like 4 + 4 or 7 + 7. Near doubles are problems like 6 + 7 or 5 + 6—where one number is just one more or less than the other. Students learn to apply known doubles facts to these problems. For example:
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If 6 + 6 = 12, then 6 + 7 = 12 + 1 = 13.
Why This Strategy Matters
Doubles and near doubles are great mental math strategies. They boost fluency and lower cognitive load. Instead of using fingers to count, students improve quick recall by linking new problems to known facts. This promotes mathematical flexibility and confidence.
About the Worksheet
This document includes two worksheet sets and answers. Each includes:
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A mix of doubles and near doubles problems within 20
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Clean layout for easy focus and visual clarity
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A matching answer key for self-checking or teacher review
It’s ideal as a class warm-up, math center activity, or take-home practice sheet.
Skills Supported
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Addition within 20
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Mental math strategies
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Fact fluency and number sense
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Strategic thinking in problem-solving
Additional Worksheets
Free Single Digit Addition Within 20 Worksheet
