Free printable practice
Adding Doubles Plus 1 Practice Activities
Printable Class 1 maths activities that help children use known doubles facts to solve near-doubles addition facts such as 4 + 5 and 7 + 8.
Practice that builds confidence
What “doubles plus 1” means
These Class 1 addition worksheets help children practise the doubles plus 1 strategy: using a known double fact to add two numbers that are next to each other, such as 6 + 7 = 6 + 6 + 1. This builds faster, more confident mental addition without relying only on counting every object.
The printable activities include number sentences, picture-supported questions, missing-number practice, matching tasks, and mixed near-doubles sums. Children learn to spot the smaller double, add one more, and explain their thinking using simple maths vocabulary.
Doubles plus 1 is a friendly mental maths strategy for near-doubles facts. When children see 5 + 6, they can think, “I know 5 + 5 = 10, so 5 + 6 is 11.” The numbers are consecutive, so one addend is just 1 more than the other. These worksheets keep the focus on noticing that relationship before solving.
How the practice progresses
Activities begin with clear doubles facts and visual support so children can connect equal groups with addition. They then move to sums such as 3 + 4, 8 + 9, and 2 + 3, where children identify the double and add 1. Later questions mix number sentences, missing totals, and simple word-style prompts so the strategy is used flexibly instead of memorised as a pattern only.
A simple parent routine
At home, start by revising a few doubles orally: “What is 4 + 4?” Then show a near double: “So what is 4 + 5?” Ask your child to say the full thought: “4 + 4 is 8, one more is 9.” Use small objects like buttons, rajma, or pencils if needed, placing them in two almost equal groups. End with two or three quick sums where your child circles the double they used.
Classroom uses for teachers
Teachers can use these printables during addition practice, maths centers, morning revision, or small-group support. They work well after children understand doubles and before moving into broader mental addition strategies. A useful class activity is to ask pupils to colour the two equal parts in one shade and the extra one in another, then write the matching double fact.
Common errors to watch for
Some children double the larger number in a sum like 6 + 7 and then add 1, giving 15 instead of 13. Others recognise the pattern but still count all objects from one. Watch also for reversals where 7 + 8 is solved as 7 + 7 without adding the extra 1. Encourage children to name the smaller double and point to the “one more” addend.
Free printable PDF download
Use this Class 1 adding doubles plus 1 worksheet page to preview the activity, print it, or download it as a PDF for quick practice. It works well for homework, homeschool lessons, tutoring, morning work, revision, and classroom centers.
Answers and answer key support
After the child completes the worksheet independently, parents and teachers can use the answer support or answer key information to check the work, review mistakes, and choose the next practice step.
Why iBloom worksheets help
The worksheets give repeated, focused practice without making every page look the same. Children meet the idea through pictures, equations, and missing-number formats, helping them understand the strategy rather than just answer quickly. A child-friendly reminder is: “Find the double, then hop one more.”
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
What is the doubles plus 1 strategy in Class 1 addition?
It is a mental addition strategy used when two addends are next to each other, such as 4 and 5. Children double the smaller number, then add 1: 4 + 4 = 8, so 4 + 5 = 9.
Should my child know doubles before using these worksheets?
Yes, it helps if your child is familiar with basic doubles such as 2 + 2, 3 + 3, and 5 + 5. The worksheets also reinforce doubles while showing how they help with near-doubles sums.
How can I explain 7 + 8 without counting all the way?
Ask your child to use the smaller double: 7 + 7 = 14. Since 8 is one more than 7, add one more to 14. So 7 + 8 = 15.
Why do children sometimes get doubles plus 1 sums wrong?
A common mistake is doubling the larger number and then adding 1, or forgetting to add the extra 1 at all. Encourage your child to identify the smaller number and say the matching double fact aloud.
Can these worksheets be used in a maths center?
Yes. They are suitable for independent practice, partner checking, small-group teaching, or a revision center after pupils have learnt basic doubles facts.
Is this Class 1 adding doubles plus 1 worksheet free?
Yes. You can preview it for free and use the printable worksheet for home or classroom practice.
Can I download this Class 1 adding doubles plus 1 worksheet as a PDF?
Yes. Use the worksheet download option to save a printable PDF, or print the worksheet directly from the page.
Does this Class 1 adding doubles plus 1 worksheet include answers or an answer key?
When the activity has fixed answers, iBloom includes answer support so parents and teachers can check the completed worksheet.