Ages 5 to 6 Board games Guide Key Stage 1 KS1 Maths

Snakes and Ladders Maths Game: Free Printable for Year 1 and 2

Quick answer: Play Snakes and Ladders with a maths twist. Children roll a die, move their counter, then answer the sum on their square. Get it right and they stay. Get it wrong and they move back. Land on a ladder to climb up, land on a snake to slide down. First to the finish wins. It supports number facts and quick recall for ages 5 to 7.
Best for Ages 5 to 7, KS1
Time 15 to 25 minutes
Group size 2 to 4 players
You need Printed board, counters, one die
Cost Low, printable plus a die

Download the free printable cards

On this page:
Maths sums to useHow to use itWays to playGifts and gamesBy ageSkillsFAQ

Maths sums to use on your Snakes and Ladders board

Write these sums onto the squares, or call them out as players land. Pick a group to match your child's level and mix them up as they grow in confidence.

Adding and taking away to 10

  1. 3 + 4
  2. 6 + 2
  3. 5 + 5
  4. 9 - 4
  5. 8 - 3
  6. 7 - 6
  7. 2 + 6
  8. 10 - 5
  9. 4 + 4
  10. 9 - 7

Adding and taking away to 20

  1. 12 + 5
  2. 14 + 3
  3. 18 - 6
  4. 11 + 8
  5. 16 - 9
  6. 13 + 4
  7. 20 - 7
  8. 15 + 5
  9. 17 - 8
  10. 19 - 11

Doubles, halves and easy times tables

  1. double 6
  2. double 8
  3. half of 10
  4. half of 16
  5. 2 x 5
  6. 2 x 7
  7. 5 x 3
  8. 10 x 4
  9. double 9
  10. half of 20

How to play Snakes and Ladders Maths, step by step

  1. Print the board and cut out the counters, with a grown up on scissors.
  2. Place every counter on start and give each player a turn order.
  3. Roll the die and move that many spaces.
  4. Answer the sum on your square to stay, or move back if it is wrong.
  5. Climb ladders, slide down snakes, and race to the finish.

Ways to use the Snakes and Ladders Maths Game

  • Match the sums to your child. Start with adding to 10, then move up to 20 and times tables as they grow. One board can last for years.
  • Make it a family turn. Everyone answers a sum, grown ups included. A board like the classic Snakes and Ladders and Ludo gives you two games in one box.
  • Play little and often. A quick round after tea keeps number facts fresh. Short games beat one long session for building recall.
  • Use an abacus to help. If a sum feels tricky, let children check on an abacus before they answer. It builds confidence without pressure.
  • Take it travelling. Pop the printable in a bag for long journeys. A compact board keeps maths practice going away from home.

Games and gifts for young mathematicians

If your child enjoys the maths twist on Snakes and Ladders, these games keep counting and number play going. We have mixed classic board games with counting toys and family favourites.

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Snakes and Ladders Maths by age and key stage

Age 5, Reception into KS1

Stick to adding and taking away within 10. Let them count on their fingers or an abacus and praise every correct answer.

Age 6, Year 1, KS1

Move up to sums within 20 and start easy doubles. They can begin reading the sums for themselves.

Age 7, Year 2, KS1

Add times tables like 2s, 5s and 10s. Let them time each other for a friendly challenge.

Age 8 and over, KS2

Use harder tables and two step sums. Older children can write their own sums onto the board for younger siblings.

What children learn from Snakes and Ladders Maths

  • Number recall. Answering a sum on each turn builds quick, confident recall of facts.
  • Counting on. Moving a counter space by space links numbers to real movement.
  • Turn taking. Waiting for your go and following rules supports patience and fairness.
  • Resilience. Sliding down a snake or getting a sum wrong teaches children to keep going.
  • Early strategy. Thinking about ladders ahead gives a gentle taste of planning and chance.

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Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

Snakes and Ladders has been a family favourite for generations, and the maths twist gives it fresh purpose. Make it a weekly habit, perhaps a Friday game night or a rainy afternoon pick. Rotate who writes the sums so children feel ownership over the game. Over time you will see number facts come faster, and the slither of a snake will still raise a giggle every single time.

Frequently asked questions

How many players can join?

Two to four works best so no one waits too long. For a bigger group, pair children up and let them answer sums together.

What if my child gets a sum wrong?

They move back a space and try the sum on that square. It keeps the game moving and takes the sting out of mistakes.

Do I need special counters?

No. Cut out the printable counters with a grown up on scissors, or use buttons, coins or small toys.

What age is this best for?

Ages 5 to 7 for the maths twist. Younger children can play the plain game, and older ones can take on harder sums.

Can I make the sums easier or harder?

Yes. Swap in adding to 10, adding to 20 or times tables to match your child, and change them as they grow.

How long does a game take?

Around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the board size and how many players join.

Do we need to supervise?

Keep a grown up nearby for scissors and to check sums with younger players. Small counters are not for children who still mouth things.

Where can I find a ready made board?

See our gift ideas above for sturdy Snakes and Ladders sets that last for years. gift ideas above

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.