Typing math on the number pad
Here's a small thing that trips kids up: a computer doesn't use × and ÷. It uses * for times and / for divide. Once they know that, and know where the math keys sit on the number pad, typing a math problem becomes as smooth as typing a word.
One important note before we start. This is typing practice, not a math test. The full problems below already show their answers. The short warm-ups are just for copying, not solving. Your child types what they see. That keeps the focus on the fingers, and it's friendly for kids who are still learning their facts.
Where the math keys are
The four math signs sit around the edge of the common PC-style number pad. Apple's full-size keyboard keypad is arranged a little differently: the top row is clear, =, /, and *. Minus and plus sit down the right side, and plus is a normal-size key. It has its own = key.
| Sign | What it means | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| / | Divide (÷) | Top row, above 8 |
| * | Times (×) | Top row, above 9 |
| - | Minus | Top right corner |
| + | Plus | Right side, the tall key above Enter |
| = | Equals | Most PC-style pads have no = key, so use = on the main keyboard, just left of Backspace. Apple and some other pads have their own. The lessons look for the main-keyboard = |
Which finger presses each sign (right hand)
- + and -: the pinky reaches up from Enter to +, and one more key up to -, then comes back to Enter. These are long reaches. If it's easier, the ring finger can tap + or - instead.
- *: the ring finger reaches up.
- /: the middle finger reaches up.
- =: the hand hops over to = on the main keyboard, taps it, and hops straight back to 4 5 6.
Left-handed number pad users: the index finger reaches over from 6 to + and up to -, the index finger reaches up to *, the middle finger up to /. The right hand is already on the main keyboard, so its pinky taps =.
Type it like a calculator
Calculator style means no spaces inside a problem: 12+7=19, not 12 + 7 = 19. Spaces go between problems.
Printable practice: add and subtract
These come from the Add and subtract set in Home Row Mojo's Number Pad Math drills.
12+7=19 8-3=5 45+5=50
100-1=99 6+6=12 30-12=18
25+25=50 9-4=5 14+6=20
70-35=35 3+8=11 50-25=25
Printable practice: times and divide
8*2=16 9/3=3 6*4=24
12/4=3 7*3=21 20/5=4
5*5=25 18/6=3 4*9=36
100/10=10 3*7=21 16/2=8
6*6=36 45/9=5 2*8=16
Printable practice: mixed problems and money math
12+7=19 48/6=8 9*3=27 50-8=42
7*8=56 63/9=7 15+15=30 90-45=45
2.5+1.5=4 10/4=2.5 0.5*6=3
19.99+5=24.99 100-37.5=62.5
The decimal point is on the number pad's bottom row. Prices are a great reason to use the number pad: lots of digits, lots of decimals.
A warm-up before whole problems
If the signs are brand new, start smaller:
4+5 9-3 6+1 8-2
8*2 9/3 6*4 8/2
2+2=4 5-1=4 3*3=9
Tips for parents
- Pair it with what they're learning. If your child is on the 6s in multiplication, write a few lines of 6s facts with the answers and let them type those. It's a nice double dose.
- Watch the = hop. Kids often lose their place on the number pad after reaching for =. Have them feel for the bump on 5 when they come back.
- Accuracy first. One wrong digit makes a wrong answer, so slow and correct is the goal.
In Home Row Mojo
The Number Pad Math lesson walks through plus, minus, times, divide, and equals with an on-screen keyboard that shows each reach. Then Drills Level 14: Number Pad Math has three sets: Add and subtract, Times and divide, and Mixed problems, each with the answers shown. When both number pad lessons and Drills Levels 13 and 14 are done, the Mission Control game opens. On Hard, it adds math meteors.
One note: the number pad lessons only work on a keyboard that has a number pad. If your keyboard doesn't have one, an inexpensive plug-in USB number pad works.
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