Find the Missing Numbers Worksheet

Kids often stall when a number line has holes, even when they can count out loud just fine. This page gives them four short number trails to complete, using five-number sequences such as 12 to 16, 1 to 5, 15 to 19, and 13 to 17. Each row also includes one simple addition or subtraction fact with a missing number to find.

This is a good fit for a first grader who can count forward by ones and is starting to connect counting with written numerals. If the written numbers feel too abstract, start with a quick hands-on warm-up using count and draw circles practice, because drawing each amount can make the counting feel more concrete before the blanks appear.

The practice works best when the child reads the visible numbers first, then says the full trail out loud before writing the missing numerals. For the facts, invite them to point to each number and use counting to check what is missing. The page asks for careful number order, plus simple addition and subtraction thinking, without turning it into a long drill.

Sit nearby with a pencil and let them try one row at a time. If they hesitate, ask, “What number comes right before this one?” or “What number would make this fact true?” After this page, number words to numerals practice is a useful next step, since it connects spoken number names with the written numerals they just used.