Are you seeking engaging and educational number worksheets for your preschool or early elementary students? Our missing numbers worksheets are perfect for helping children develop number recognition, counting skills, and sequencing practice.
I have created three fun and easy-to-follow worksheets to help children master missing numbers:
Download the Three Free Printable Packs
Below are direct links and brief descriptions for each PDF. All pages print neatly on US Letter or A4 paper, and each pack comes in color and ink-saving black and white.
| Pack | Range | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pack 1 | 1 – 20 | 5 | Pre-K & K “first counters” |
| Pack 2 | 1 – 50 | 6 | K & Grade 1 students moving beyond 20 |
| Pack 3 | 1 – 100 | 9 | Grade 1+ mastery, math centers, fast-finishers |
Click the blue “Download” button below each worksheet or scroll down to the bottom for a zip file containing all three missing number worksheet sets.
📘 Worksheet 1: Missing Numbers from 1 to 20
This worksheet, which has a playful train theme, challenges children to fill in the missing numbers between 1 and 20. It’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten students just starting to count. The visual design keeps children engaged while reinforcing number order in a fun, interactive way.
🧮 Worksheet 2: Missing Numbers from 1 to 50
In the second Missing Number worksheet, children practice more with larger numbers. It focuses on recognizing patterns, understanding number progressions, and strengthening basic math skills. It is ideal for Grade 1 students.
🔢 Worksheet 3: Missing Numbers from 1 to 100
The third worksheet is designed for more advanced learners. It covers numbers from 1 to 100, helping children strengthen their counting skills and develop number fluency. This worksheet is ideal for both home practice and classroom use.
🌟 Why Use Missing Numbers Worksheets?
- Improves number sequencing skills
- Enhances attention to detail
- Encourages independent learning
- Perfect for early math centers or homework
Five Hands-On Games That Pair with the PDFs
- Clothespin Count: String numbers on a clothesline, intentionally leaving some clips. Missing baby clothespins.
- Floor Tape Number Line: Masking tape a line on the floor, writing only multiples of 5.
- Dice Fill-In: Roll two dice to select the beginning and end of a mini sequence, then write the middle number on a mini whiteboard.
- Play-Dough Numbers: Make numbers out of dough and press them into the spaces on the laminated worksheet
- Mystery Bag: Place wooden numbers 1-20 in a bag, pull out three, and have your child arrange them in order, leaving the middle one out so they can guess.
Why Teach with Missing-Number Activities?
Counting out loud is a proud milestone, but true number fluency comes when children can see, name, and fill in the missing numbers in a sequence. That single skill unlocks:
- Pattern recognition
- Counting forwards and backwards
- Mental “one more / one less” reasoning
- A foundation for addition, subtraction, and place value
That’s why high-quality missing number worksheets are one of the fastest ways to reinforce early numbers, whether you teach in the classroom or around the kitchen table.
Quick tip: Slip any worksheet into a plastic sleeve. Give your learner a dry-erase marker. Suddenly, a PDF becomes an endless, reusable math hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: When should I introduce the missing numbers worksheet?
As soon as a child can confidently recite 1-10, they are ready for Pack 1.
Question 2: How many pages are ideal per session?
Quality trumps quantity. One or two pages, well argued, outdo the five quick ones. Aim for 10 minutes, three times a week.
Question 3: Are the worksheets standards-aligned?
Yes—Packs 1-3 are aligned with Common Core K.CC.2, K.CC.4, and 1.NBT.1, as well as most UK EYFS and Australian F-2 numerical outcomes.
Question 4: Can I share these PDFs with other teachers?
Absolutely! Link them to this post so colleagues can also benefit from the teaching tips and game ideas.
Q5: Do you offer color and black and white versions?
Both! Each download includes a full color set plus an ink-friendly option.
📥 Download All 3 Worksheets
Three Missing Numbers worksheets are now available for download – perfect for printing and using right away at home or in your classroom!
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