Worksheets on Base Ten Blocks in Grade 1

Master base ten blocks worksheets: place value, visual representation, counting strategies, and number recognition through these 5 detailed worksheet exercises.

Worksheet: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Simple Tens and Ones
Worksheet Question 1
Look at the base ten blocks below and write the number they represent:
2 ten rods and 4 one cubes

Worksheet Instructions:

Count the ten rods and one cubes, then calculate the total number.

10
10
1
1
1
1
2 tens and 4 ones
Question: How many ten rods do you see? ____
Question: How many one cubes do you see? ____
Question: What is the total number? ____
Answer: 2 ten rods = 20, 4 one cubes = 4, 20 + 4 = 24
Step 1: Count the ten rods

There are 2 ten rods, each worth 10

Step 2: Calculate tens value

2 tens = 2 × 10 = 20

Step 3: Count the one cubes

There are 4 one cubes, each worth 1

Step 4: Calculate ones value

4 ones = 4 × 1 = 4

Step 5: Add tens and ones

20 + 4 = 24

2 tens + 4 ones = 20 + 4 = 24
Final answer:

The number represented is 24

2 Multiple Tens
Worksheet Question 2
Look at the base ten blocks below and write the number they represent:
3 ten rods and 7 one cubes

Worksheet Instructions:

Count the ten rods and one cubes, then calculate the total number.

10
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3 tens and 7 ones
Question: How many ten rods do you see? ____
Question: How many one cubes do you see? ____
Question: What is the total number? ____
Answer: 3 ten rods = 30, 7 one cubes = 7, 30 + 7 = 37
Step 1: Count the ten rods

There are 3 ten rods

Step 2: Calculate tens value

3 tens = 3 × 10 = 30

Step 3: Count the one cubes

There are 7 one cubes

Step 4: Calculate ones value

7 ones = 7 × 1 = 7

Step 5: Add tens and ones

30 + 7 = 37

3 tens + 7 ones = 30 + 7 = 37
Final answer:

The number represented is 37

3 Zero Ones
Worksheet Question 3
Look at the base ten blocks below and write the number they represent:
5 ten rods and 0 one cubes

Worksheet Instructions:

Count the ten rods and one cubes, then calculate the total number.

10
10
10
10
10
5 tens and 0 ones
Question: How many ten rods do you see? ____
Question: How many one cubes do you see? ____
Question: What is the total number? ____
Answer: 5 ten rods = 50, 0 one cubes = 0, 50 + 0 = 50
Step 1: Count the ten rods

There are 5 ten rods

Step 2: Calculate tens value

5 tens = 5 × 10 = 50

Step 3: Count the one cubes

There are 0 one cubes

Step 4: Calculate ones value

0 ones = 0 × 1 = 0

Step 5: Add tens and ones

50 + 0 = 50

5 tens + 0 ones = 50 + 0 = 50
Final answer:

The number represented is 50

Base Ten Blocks Worksheet Guide
(Tens × 10) + (Ones × 1) = Number
Base Ten Formula
Ten Rod
1 rod = 10
Worth 10 ones
One Cube
1 cube = 1
Single unit
Value Calculation
Tens × 10 + Ones × 1
Total number
Key definitions:

Base Ten Blocks: Visual tools where rods represent tens (worth 10) and small cubes represent ones (worth 1)

Ten Rod: Long rectangular block representing 10 units

One Cube: Small square block representing 1 unit

Place Value: Value determined by position in number

Complete worksheet methodology:
  1. Identify blocks: Separate ten rods from one cubes
  2. Count each type: How many tens? How many ones?
  3. Calculate values: Tens × 10, Ones × 1
  4. Combine values: Add tens and ones together
  5. Verify result: Check if answer makes sense
Tip 1: Always count tens first, then ones to stay organized.
Tip 2: If there are no ones, the number ends in 0.
Tip 3: Count by tens for the tens: 10, 20, 30, etc.
Tip 4: Draw lines connecting blocks to numbers to visualize the process.
Common errors: Counting tens as ones, forgetting to multiply by 10.
Memory aid: "Long rods are tens, small cubes are ones."
Essential Rules:

• Value Rule: 1 ten rod = 10, 1 one cube = 1

• Multiplication Rule: Tens × 10

• Addition Rule: Tens + ones = total number

• Verification Rule: Always check your answer

Base Ten Block Values

This is what 1 ten rod represents (10 ones)
Worksheet: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Reverse Process
Worksheet Question 4
Draw the base ten blocks that represent the number 46.
Show 46 using tens and ones.

Worksheet Instructions:

Break down the number into tens and ones, then draw the blocks.

Question: How many tens are in 46? ____
Question: How many ones are in 46? ____
Question: Draw the blocks below:
10
10
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
1
4 tens and 6 ones = 46
Answer: 46 = 4 tens and 6 ones
Step 1: Identify place values in 46

4 is in tens place, 6 is in ones place

Step 2: Draw tens

Draw 4 ten rods (each worth 10)

Step 3: Draw ones

Draw 6 one cubes (each worth 1)

Step 4: Verify the representation

4 tens = 40, 6 ones = 6, 40 + 6 = 46 ✓

4 tens + 6 ones = 46
Final answer:

46 is represented by 4 tens and 6 ones

5 Mixed Practice
Worksheet Question 5
Complete the following:
What number is represented by 1 ten rod and 8 one cubes?
Draw the blocks for 35.

Worksheet Instructions:

Practice both reading blocks and drawing blocks for numbers.

10
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 ten and 8 ones = 18
Question: What number is shown above? ____
Question: Draw blocks for 35 below:
10
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
3 tens and 5 ones = 35
Answer: 1 ten + 8 ones = 18; 35 = 3 tens + 5 ones
Step 1: Read 1 ten and 8 ones

1 ten = 1 × 10 = 10, 8 ones = 8 × 1 = 8

Step 2: Calculate total

10 + 8 = 18

Step 3: Draw blocks for 35

35 = 3 tens and 5 ones

Step 4: Verify both answers

1 ten + 8 ones = 18 ✓, 3 tens + 5 ones = 35 ✓

1 ten + 8 ones = 18, 35 = 3 tens + 5 ones
Final answers:

1 ten and 8 ones = 18; 35 = 3 tens and 5 ones

Complete Worksheet Summary: Base Ten Blocks
(Tens × 10) + (Ones × 1) = Number
Base Ten Formula
Key definitions:

Base Ten Blocks: Visual tools that help understand place value (rods = tens, cubes = ones)

Ten Rod: Long block representing 10 units (worth 10 ones)

One Cube: Small block representing 1 unit

Place Value: The value of a digit based on its position in the number

Complete worksheet methodology:
  1. Identify blocks: Distinguish between ten rods and one cubes
  2. Count accurately: Carefully count each type of block
  3. Apply values: Multiply tens by 10, ones by 1
  4. Combine totals: Add tens value and ones value
  5. Verify answer: Check that the sum makes sense
Tip 1: Use your fingers to touch each block as you count to avoid missing any.
Tip 2: Say the number out loud as you count: "10, 20, 30" for tens.
Tip 3: Draw a circle around each group of 10 ones to see if you can make a ten.
Tip 4: Practice with real or virtual base ten blocks to build understanding.
Foundation Skill: Understanding base ten blocks is essential for all future math.
Real-world use: Helps with money counting, measuring, and organizing.
Essential Rules:

• Value Rule: 1 ten rod = 10, 1 one cube = 1

• Multiplication Rule: Number of tens × 10

• Addition Rule: Tens value + ones value = total

• Verification Rule: Always check that parts equal the whole

• Organization Rule: Keep tens and ones separate when counting

Base Ten Block Examples

Blocks Shown Tens Ones Calculation Number
2 tens, 4 ones 2 4 (2×10) + (4×1) 24
3 tens, 7 ones 3 7 (3×10) + (7×1) 37
5 tens, 0 ones 5 0 (5×10) + (0×1) 50
1 ten, 8 ones 1 8 (1×10) + (8×1) 18

Questions & Answers

Question: My child keeps confusing the ten rods and one cubes. How can I help them remember which is which?

Answer: Use these memory aids:

  • Size clue: "Big blocks (long rods) are tens, small blocks (cubes) are ones"
  • Name clue: "Tens are longer, so they're worth more"
  • Counting clue: "Ten rods are made up of 10 little ones put together"

Practice with real objects: show them that 10 individual cubes can be lined up to match the length of 1 ten rod. This visual connection helps cement the relationship. Also, have them say "ten rod" and "one cube" out loud when counting to reinforce the names.

Question: Some students are counting each individual cube in a ten rod. How can I teach them to count by tens?

Answer: Build the concept gradually:

  1. Show the relationship: Count 10 individual cubes, then show how they form 1 ten rod
  2. Practice skip counting: Count by tens (10, 20, 30...) while pointing to each rod
  3. Use visual cues: Draw circles around groups of 10 ones to show they make a ten
  4. Connect to real life: Compare to bundles of 10 pencils or packs of 10 crayons
  5. Reinforce regularly: Daily practice with counting by tens

Emphasize that the ten rod is a "shortcut" for counting 10 ones quickly. Once they understand this concept, they'll naturally count rods as "10, 20, 30" rather than "1, 2, 3..."

Question: How can I help students who struggle with the concept that 1 ten rod equals 10 ones?

Answer: Use concrete, hands-on experiences:

  • Build it yourself: Have students line up 10 individual cubes next to a ten rod to see they're equal
  • Exchange activity: Let them trade 10 ones for 1 ten rod and vice versa
  • Grouping exercise: Give them 20 individual cubes and have them group into sets of 10
  • Visual comparison: Show side-by-side that 10 small cubes = 1 long rod

Make it a game: "How many ones do you need to get 1 ten rod?" or "If I have 1 ten rod, how many ones could I trade for?" This hands-on exploration helps build the conceptual understanding that's crucial for place value mastery.