How the number pyramid generator works
Choose a level, addition or multiplication, and how many pyramids you want on the sheet. The preview shows exactly the sheet that will print. Don't like the numbers? Click “New numbers”. If you want, the PDF gets a second page with the answer key: the missing numbers are highlighted in yellow and set in italics, the given numbers stay plain. Every pyramid is numbered, so in class you can simply say “look at pyramid 3”. Given blocks are lightly shaded, so children see at a glance where to write – and that works in black-and-white printing too.
The generator checks every pyramid before it goes on the sheet: it has exactly one solution, and all numbers are whole numbers within the chosen range – no fractions, nothing negative.
Which level for which grade?
- Starter – ages 5–6 (kindergarten, Reception and Year 1)
- 3 blocks in the bottom row, numbers up to 10. The bottom row is given, children only add upwards. Big blocks to write in.
- Grade 1 (Year 2 in the UK)
- 4 blocks in the bottom row, numbers up to 20, the bottom row is given.
- Grade 2 (Year 3)
- 4 bottom blocks, numbers up to 100. Now numbers are missing at the bottom too: children work backwards and solve missing-number problems.
- Pro – Grade 3 (Year 4)
- 4 bottom blocks, numbers up to 1,000, only as many clues as needed.
- Master – Grade 4 (Year 5)
- 5 bottom blocks, numbers up to 1,000, only 5 clues. The pyramid can always be solved block by block – you just have to find where to start.
- Crazy – for puzzle fans
- 6 or 7 bottom blocks, numbers up to 10,000, as few clues as possible. Some pyramids can no longer be solved block by block – then trial and error helps, or a letter for the unknown number.
- Multiplication pyramids
- Multiply instead of add, using times-table numbers. Multiplication pyramids have 3 or 4 bottom blocks; they suit children who know their times tables, from the end of Grade 2 (Year 3) on.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a number pyramid?
- A pyramid of blocks that gets narrower towards the top. Each block holds the sum of the two blocks directly below it. Some numbers are given, and children work out the rest. Number pyramids build addition and subtraction skills – and thinking about how numbers fit together.
- Number pyramid, addition pyramid, number wall – are they the same?
- Yes. Depending on the textbook and the country, the same puzzle is called a number pyramid, addition pyramid, number wall or pyramid puzzle. If you multiply instead of add, it is a multiplication pyramid.
- How do you solve a number pyramid when numbers are missing at the bottom?
- Work backwards: if you know a block and one of the two blocks below it, the missing block is the difference. If the top says 12 and the block below on the left says 5, the block next to it must be 7, because 5 + 7 = 12. In multiplication pyramids you divide instead. Always look for a spot where two of the three numbers are already known.
- Does every pyramid really have only one solution?
- Yes. For every pyramid the generator checks that the given numbers allow exactly one solution. Pyramids with more than one possible answer are thrown out.
- Is it free? Do I need to sign up?
- It's completely free – no sign-up, no ads and no daily limit.
- Can I share the worksheet?
- Yes. “Copy link” gives you an address that opens exactly these pyramids again – handy for colleagues or a class page. Nothing is sent to us; everything is made in your browser.
- Will it print on US Letter paper?
- Yes. The PDF is A4; choose “Fit to page” in the print dialog and it fits Letter paper with nothing cut off.
- Can I copy, change and share the worksheets?
- Yes. The worksheets you create are in the public domain (CC0 1.0): copy them, adapt them, share them with colleagues or post them on your school website – no permission or attribution needed. This applies to the worksheets, not to this website or the generator's code.