Skip Counting
Counting forward by a fixed step such as 2s, 5s or 10s; the root of multiplication.
Key idea
Counting forward by a fixed step such as 2s, 5s or 10s; the root of multiplication.
In depth
Skip counting adds the same step repeatedly: a, a+d, a+2d. It is multiplication in disguise, because the k-th number in the 5s count is 5 × k. This is why multiplication tables are built on it.
Worked example
Count by 4s from 0: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20. The 5th number is 4 × 5 = 20.
Formula
Real-world uses
- Counting eggs in cartons of six
- Counting coins in fives
- Reading clock faces in five-minute steps
Common mistake
Losing track of how many jumps you made. Keep a finger count of steps.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Skip Counting?
Counting forward by a fixed step such as 2s, 5s or 10s; the root of multiplication. It is a topic at the beginner level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is the formula for Skip Counting?
The key formula is a, a+d, a+2d, ….
Where is Skip Counting used in real life?
Real-world examples: Counting eggs in cartons of six; Counting coins in fives; Reading clock faces in five-minute steps.
What should I learn before Skip Counting?
Make sure you are comfortable with Even and Odd Numbers, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Skip Counting?
Losing track of how many jumps you made. Keep a finger count of steps.
How can I practise Skip Counting?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Skip Counting?
Move on to Addition next.
Related beginner topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Counting & Cardinality – Assigning one number word to each object to find how many there are.
- Place Value – The value of a digit depends on its position: ones, tens, hundreds and so on.
- Number Line – A line where numbers are placed in order at equal spacing to compare and add them.
- Comparing Numbers – Use <, > and = to say which number is smaller, larger or equal.
- Ordering Numbers – Arranging numbers from least to greatest or the reverse.
- Even and Odd Numbers – Even numbers divide by 2 with no remainder; odd numbers leave remainder 1.