Maths Library

Vertical Addition Algorithm: Year 4 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 4 (age 9 to 10) as a topic to introduce. 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.

  • AC9M4N02 Add and subtract whole numbers fluently using written column methods.

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 4 maths

Qs
6
Marks
18
NameDateScore / 18
1.
535 166 + 602 328 =
[3]
2.
855 695 + 443 365 =
[3]
3.
299 474 + 413 419 =
[3]
4.
537 352 + 270 682 =
[3]
5.
260 132 + 701 690 =
[3]
6.
444 064 + 932 031 =
[3]

Answer key

  1. 1 137 494Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 535 166 + 602 328 = 1 137 494
  2. 1 299 060Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 855 695 + 443 365 = 1 299 060
  3. 712 893Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 299 474 + 413 419 = 712 893
  4. 808 034Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 537 352 + 270 682 = 808 034
  5. 961 822Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 260 132 + 701 690 = 961 822
  6. 1 376 095Add ones, tens, hundreds in turn, carrying when a column passes 9; 444 064 + 932 031 = 1 376 095