Target Number
A mental maths challenge inspired by Countdown!
Choose your time!
Use the numbers and operators to get as close to the target as you can!
TARGET
A Maths Brain-Teaser for KS2: Target Number!
Welcome to the ultimate arithmetic challenge! “Target Number” is a free online maths game, inspired by the classic TV show Countdown, designed to test and develop your child’s calculation skills and strategic thinking. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging puzzle for your Key Stage 2 child that goes beyond simple sums, you’ve come to the right place!
The game generates six numbers and a random 3-digit target. The mission? To use the four operations—addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷)—to get as close to the target number as possible. It’s a race against the clock that encourages creative problem-solving and deep number sense.
How to Play
- Get Your Numbers: Click “New Game” to be dealt six number cards (a mix of large and small numbers) and a 3-digit target.
- Start the Clock: The 30-second timer begins immediately!
- Use the Calculator: Click on a number, then an operator (+, -, ×, ÷), then another number to perform a calculation.
- Use Your Results: The result of each calculation can then be used in the next part of your sum. You can only use each of the six starting numbers once!
- Beat the Clock: See how close you can get to the target number before the time runs out!
Learning Objectives & Curriculum Links
Target Number is a powerful educational tool that directly supports key learning objectives within the UK’s Key Stage 2 (KS2) maths curriculum.
- Target Age Group: This game is ideal for children in Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6 (ages 8-11) who are confident with the four main operations. The time limit provides a fun challenge for older or more confident mathematicians.
- Key Maths Focus:
- Four Operations: This game provides a fantastic context for children to “use their knowledge of the order of operations to carry out calculations involving the four operations.” (BODMAS/PEMDAS).
- Mental and Written Methods: It encourages children to “add and subtract whole numbers with more than 4 digits, including using formal written methods (columnar addition and subtraction)” and to “multiply and divide numbers mentally drawing upon known facts.”
- Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: This is the core of the game. Children won’t succeed by just randomly applying operations. They must think strategically about which numbers to combine and in which order to get closer to the target. This builds crucial multi-step problem-solving skills.
- Estimation: Players will quickly learn to estimate the outcome of a calculation before they perform it, a vital skill for checking the reasonableness of an answer.
Tips for Teachers and Parents
This interactive mental maths game is a brilliant resource for developing calculation fluency and strategic thinking.
- For Teachers: Use Target Number on your interactive whiteboard as a fantastic whole-class maths starter or “challenge of the day.” You can work together as a class to find a solution, with students suggesting different steps. It’s also an excellent activity for group work, encouraging collaboration and discussion about different strategies.
- For Parents: This game is a fun and challenging alternative to traditional maths homework. It’s a great way to practice using all four operations in a low-pressure environment. You can play along with your child, each trying to solve the same puzzle, and then compare your different methods for reaching the target number. This shows children that there can be multiple paths to the same solution.
Enjoy the challenge! Be sure to explore our other free maths games for all primary school ages.