30 Math Problems for 1st Graders

In 1st grade, students build upon mathematical concepts introduced in kindergarten, including addition and subtraction, telling time, counting money, measurement, and more. Here are 30 fun math problems for 1st graders. 

headshot of katie wickliff

Author

Katie Wickliff

Published:

Oct 2024

girl counting to eight

Key takeaways

First grade is an exciting time for students to grow as mathematicians. First graders focus on important math concepts, such as understanding place value, addition and subtraction, geometry, telling time, and measuring real-world items. 

These 1st grade math problems cover a variety of concepts and are organized into sections: addition and subtraction, place value, geometry, measurement, and telling time. 

The problems in each section progress from easiest to hardest, so feel free to choose the ones that best meet your child’s needs. We’ve included an answer sheet so your child can check their work independently. 

Also, look for other opportunities for your child to practice their new mathematical skills. Math games, books, or engaging online programs make 1st grade math practice fun. Let’s get started!

30 math problems for 1st graders (with answers!)

Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

  1. Ellie has 4 green crayons and 3 red crayons. How many crayons does Ellie have altogether? 
  2. Sam brings 5 cookies to school and shares 2 with Macy. How many cookies does Sam have left?
  3. Lola read 6 books on Saturday and her big sister read 8 books. How many books did the girls read altogether?
  4. Evan picked a bunch of flowers and gave 3 to his mom. Evan now has 7 flowers left. How many flowers did he pick?
  5. Two squirrels were sitting on the fence. 9 more squirrels joined them! How many squirrels are on the fence now?

Turn math into playtime with DreamBox Math

DREAMBOX MATH

Get started for FREE today!

Place Value

  1. What is the digit in the ones place in the number 24?
  2. Write the number that comes next after 13
  3. What is the digit in the tens place in the number 87?
  4. Write the number that comes before and after: ___ ,44, ___
  5. 64 = ___ tens and ____ ones
  6. 10 = ___ tens and ____ ones
  7. 17 =  ___ tens and ____ ones
  8. Write the number that is 10 more than 71
  9. Write the number that is 10 less than 63
  10. Look at the hearts below. How many groups of ten are there?

Geometry

  1. Match the shape with its name:

2. Find and point to the 3 ovals below.

3. How many sides does a circle have? 

4. How many sides does a rectangle have

5. Using the rectangle below as an estimate, draw 1 bigger rectangle and 1 smaller rectangle:

The math program that drives results

Get started today!

DreamBox adapts to your child’s level and learning needs, ensuring they are appropriately challenged and get confidence-building wins.

Measurement

  1. How long is the catepillar? 
  1. How long is the spoon?

3. Which one is longer– the pencil or the dollar bill?

  1. Brooke’s shoe measures 6 inches long. Gabe’s shoe measures 8 inches long. Which shoe is shorter?
  2. Look at the water bottles below. Which is the tallest? Which is the shortest?

Telling Time

  1. What time is on the clock?
  1. What time is on the clock?
  1. What time is on the clock?

4. What time is on the clock?

5. What time is on the clock?

Take at home math practice to the next level

Empowering parents and educators to make math practice more impactful. Plus, your kids will love it.

Answer Sheet for 1st Grade Math Practice

Addition and Subtraction

  1. 4+3=7
  2. 5-2=3
  3. 6+8=14
  4. ?-3=7. (Reverse: 7+3=10) 
  5. 2+9=11

Place value

  1. 4
  2. 14
  3. 8
  4. 43, 45
  5. 60 tens and 4 ones
  6. 1 ten and 0 ones
  7. 1 tens and 7 ones
  8. 81
  9. 53
  10. There are 3 groups of 10 hearts

Geometry

  1. Square, rectangle, triangle, circle
  2. The ovals are shaded red below
  1. A circle has no sides. (It is made up of arcs)
  2. A rectangle has 4 sides 
  3. Drawings should have one larger rectangle and one smaller rectangle

Measurement

  1. The catepillar is 4 inches
  2. The spoon is 9 inches
  3. The pencil is longer
  4. Brooke’s shoe is shorter
  5. The last water bottle is the tallest and the middle water bottle is shortest

Telling Time

  1. 3:15
  2. 9:30
  3. 7:45
  4. 1:00
  5. 6:30

Related Topics

1st Grade Math Help

Learn how to help your first grader with math through this guide.

How to Learn Math
Figuring out how to learn math can be fun and easy with these handy tips.
Avoiding Homework Stress
Learn effective strategies to reduce homework stress in elementary students.
1st Grade Common Core

Learn about first grade math common core standards.