Learn abacus online and build lightning-fast maths skills
Free online abacus classes for kids: step-by-step soroban lessons, an interactive virtual abacus, mental maths practice and printable worksheets. Everything a child needs to go from counting beads to doing maths in their head.
More than a counting frame
Abacus training builds number sense and the habits that help in every subject, not just maths.
Speed
Children learn to add and subtract long chains of numbers quickly and accurately.
Visualisation
Picturing the beads trains the mind to see and hold numbers, the basis of mental maths.
Concentration
Every bead move needs focus. Short daily practice builds lasting attention.
Confidence
Real, visible progress turns "I'm bad at maths" into "I can do this".
Twelve lessons, three stages
Follow the lessons in order. Each one builds on the last and ends with a short quiz.
Beginner
Learn the abacus, show numbers, and add and subtract with small and big friends.
Intermediate
Mental maths, multiplication, division, and two-digit sums.
Advanced
Speed techniques, mental shortcuts, and multi-digit calculations.
Everything you need to practise
Virtual abacus
A full 13-rod soroban in your browser. Click the beads, set numbers and take on challenges.
Open the abacusTimed practice
Unlimited questions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and Flash Anzan.
Start practisingPrintable worksheets
Fresh worksheets at three levels, with answer keys. Perfect for home or the classroom.
Get worksheetsFifteen minutes a day is enough
Learn
Read a short lesson with worked examples and bead diagrams.
Try
Move the beads yourself on the built-in abacus in every lesson.
Check
Answer the quick quiz to make sure the idea has stuck.
Practise
Use timed sets and worksheets to build speed day by day.
Questions from parents and teachers
What is an abacus and how does it help children?
An abacus is a counting frame with beads on rods. The Japanese soroban used in this course has one bead worth 5 and four beads worth 1 on each rod. Children learn to calculate by moving beads, then by picturing them in their mind. This builds number sense, concentration, memory and fast mental maths.
What age should my child start learning abacus?
Most children are ready from about age 5, once they can count to 10 and recognise numbers. Ages 5 to 12 are ideal, but older children and adults learn quickly too.
Can my child learn abacus online for free?
Yes. Abacus Learning Hub has 12 free step-by-step abacus lessons, an online virtual abacus, unlimited practice questions and printable worksheets with answers. There is no fee and no sign-up.
Do we need to buy a real abacus?
No. You can complete the whole course with our free virtual abacus. A real soroban (1 bead above the beam, 4 below) is inexpensive and helps build finger technique, so many families buy one later.
How long does it take to learn abacus?
With 15 to 20 minutes of practice a day, most children finish the 12 lessons in 6 to 10 weeks. Mental maths speed keeps improving with regular practice after that.
What is abacus mental maths (anzan)?
Anzan is calculating in your head by picturing an abacus and moving imaginary beads. Our Flash Anzan practice mode flashes numbers one at a time so children can train this skill.
What is the difference between abacus and Vedic maths?
Abacus training uses a bead frame and then a mental picture of it, so it builds visualisation and fast addition and subtraction. Vedic maths is a set of written and mental shortcut rules. Abacus is usually easier for young children to start with, and the two can be learned together.
Will abacus conflict with how maths is taught at school?
No. The abacus uses the same place value and number facts taught at school, and it strengthens them. Many teachers use it alongside the regular curriculum.
Is my child's progress saved?
Yes. Lesson progress and best scores are saved in your browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us and no account is needed.
Ready to move your first bead?
Start with Lesson 1. It takes about 15 minutes and you only need this website.