Skip Counting Numbers

Skip counting is counting forward (or backward) by numbers other than one—like 2s, 5s, or 10s.

it’s a foundational math skill that prepares children for multiplication, division, and number pattern recognition.

Skip counting means adding the same number repeatedly to move through a sequence. For example:

Skip counting is more than just a fun chant—it builds essential math fluency:

Foundation for Multiplication: It helps children understand that multiplication is repeated addition. For example, skip counting by 3s (3, 6, 9…) lays the groundwork for learning 3×1, 3×2, 3×3, etc.
Supports Division: It helps kids recognize how many times a number of fits into another (e.g., how many 5s are in 20).
Enhances Number Sense: Children begin to see patterns in numbers, which boosts their ability to estimate, group, and mentally calculate.
Prepares for Advanced Concepts: Skills like factoring, finding common multiples, reducing fractions, and identifying prime numbers all build on skip counting.
Speeds Up Counting: It’s a practical tool for counting large groups of items quickly (e.g., counting coins or tally marks).
Let's practice skip counting using our printable worksheets.