Maths Library

Vertical Addition Algorithm: Year 3 maths

This topic covers the formal vertical written method for adding multi-digit integers with carrying into tens, hundreds, and thousands. Worksheets focus on neat digit alignment, accurate place value recording, and multiple carries.

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What this covers

Vertical Addition Algorithm is taught in Year 3 (age 8 to 9) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Number strand.

Worked example

Calculate: 378 + 245 using column addition.

  1. Align digits by place value. Add ones: 8 + 5 = 13 (write 3, carry 1 ten).
  2. Add tens: 7 + 4 + 1 = 12 (write 2, carry 1 hundred).
  3. Add hundreds: 3 + 2 + 1 = 6. Result is 623.

Answer: 623

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. Two 2-digit numbers with no regrouping
  2. Two 3-digit numbers with single regrouping in ones or tens
  3. Two 3-digit numbers with multiple regroupings
  4. Adding three 3-digit numbers or two 4-digit numbers with carrying
  5. Adding 5-digit or 6-digit numbers with carrying across multiple columns

Common mistakes

  • Writing two-digit column totals directly into the answer row without carrying
  • Forgetting to add the carried digit to the subsequent column

Curriculum links

Indicative matches to Australian Curriculum v9. Check wording and codes against the official document.

  • AC9M3N02 Add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers using mental and written strategies.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

Vertical Addition Algorithm

Year 3 maths

Qs
6
Marks
6
NameDateScore / 6
1.
535 + 602 =
[1]
2.
855 + 443 =
[1]
3.
299 + 413 =
[1]
4.
537 + 270 =
[1]
5.
260 + 701 =
[1]
6.
444 + 932 =
[1]

Answer key

  1. 1137Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 535 + 602 = 1137
  2. 1298Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 855 + 443 = 1298
  3. 712Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 299 + 413 = 712
  4. 807Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 537 + 270 = 807
  5. 961Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 260 + 701 = 961
  6. 1376Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 444 + 932 = 1376