Missing Number Worksheets: Early Algebra Thinking
Missing-number problems like 7 + ☐ = 12 are a gentle introduction to algebra. Students must think about how operations relate instead of just computing.
📥 Download the free missing numbers worksheet (PDF) — or read on to learn how to make your own versions in seconds.
What students practice
Example worksheet and answer key
Here is a missing numbers worksheet made with the default settings, next to the answer key that the tool creates automatically.
How to create a missing numbers worksheet in 60 seconds
- Sign in to OnlineMathWorksheet (or start the free 1-day trial) and open the tool.
- In Settings → Worksheet type, choose Missing Numbers from the Basic Operations group.
- Open Problem options and adjust: Number range (from–to), Operations.
- Under Problem layout, pick the number of rows and columns (the default is 6 × 3).
- In Header, keep the title “Missing Numbers” and the instruction “Write the missing number in the box.”, or write your own.
- Click New problems for this page until you like the set — every click creates a fresh version.
- Use Export to download a PDF with the answer key, or save the pages as PNG or JPG images.
Ready-made settings
Use these as starting points and adjust them to your class:
| Addition only (Grade 1) | Operations: +, range 1–10. |
|---|---|
| Addition & subtraction | Select + and −. |
| Multiplication & division | Select × and ÷. |
| All operations | Select all four for a mixed review. |
Teaching tips
- Encourage students to say the problem as a question: “What plus 7 makes 12?”.
- The box can appear in any position, which builds flexible thinking.
- Follow up with the Simple Equations activity to move from boxes to letters.
Make your first missing numbers worksheet now
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Do the missing numbers worksheets come with an answer key?
Yes. Every worksheet gets a matching answer page automatically. You can include it in the PDF or hide it.
Can I make a different version for each student?
Yes. Click “New problems for this page” to generate new numbers with the same settings — as many times as you like.
Which languages are available?
The worksheet itself can be printed in English, French, Spanish or Arabic, which is handy for bilingual classes.
