2.NBT.6: Adding Up to Four Two-Digit Numbers

I can add up to four two-digit numbers using strategies based on place value.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child add multiple two-digit numbers efficiently. Students will learn to use place value strategies to add up to four two-digit numbers, such as adding all the tens first and then all the ones.

This standard builds on previous addition skills with two numbers and prepares your child for adding larger numbers and multi-step problems in future grades. Mastering this skill helps your child develop computational fluency and number sense when working with multiple addends.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models to Use

  • Place Value Chart - Use a chart with columns for tens and ones to organize numbers by place value when adding multiple two-digit numbers. This helps your child see how to add all tens first, then all ones.
  • Base-Ten Blocks - Use blocks to represent tens and ones for each number, then combine all tens together and all ones together to find the sum.
  • Number Lines - Show how to add multiple numbers by making jumps on a number line, starting with the largest number and adding the others.
  • Column Addition - Demonstrate how to align numbers in columns by place value, adding ones first, then tens, regrouping when necessary.

Everyday Activities

1. Receipt Addition

When shopping, collect 3-4 receipts with two-digit prices. Have your child add them all together using place value strategies.

2. Score Keeper Plus

During family games, have your child add the scores of 3-4 players at once, rather than adding one at a time.

3. Recipe Math

Find a recipe that uses 3-4 ingredients measured in two-digit amounts (like 25 grams of this, 42 grams of that). Have your child find the total amount needed.

4. Daily Addition Challenge

Create a daily challenge with four two-digit numbers to add. Track progress on a chart to show improvement in speed and accuracy.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Group Similar Place Values

Teach your child to add all the tens first, then all the ones. For example, with 23 + 45 + 32 + 11, add 20 + 40 + 30 + 10 = 100, then 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 = 11, so 100 + 11 = 111.

2. Look for Friendly Numbers

Find pairs of numbers that make "friendly" sums like 10, 20, etc. For 23 + 45 + 32 + 17, group 23 + 17 = 40 and 45 + 32 = 77, then 40 + 77 = 117.

3. Use Partial Sums

Add numbers in parts. For 23 + 45 + 32 + 11, add 23 + 45 = 68, then 68 + 32 = 100, then 100 + 11 = 111.

4. Organize in Columns

Write numbers in columns aligned by place value, then add ones column first, then tens column, regrouping when necessary.

5-Minute Practice Activities

1. Multiple Number Challenge

Give your child four two-digit numbers to add (like 23 + 45 + 32 + 11). Have them solve it using place value strategies and explain their thinking.

2. Place Value Sort

Write four two-digit numbers on sticky notes. Have your child organize them by place value (tens and ones) before adding them together.

3. Find the Total

Create a set of cards with two-digit numbers. Have your child draw four cards and find their sum using place value strategies.

4. Missing Number Puzzles

Give your child three two-digit numbers and their sum. Ask them to find the fourth number that would complete the equation.

Check Progress

Track improvement

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of second grade, your child should be able to:

  • Add two or three two-digit numbers using place value strategies
  • Group numbers by place value when adding (separating tens and ones)
  • Explain their addition strategies using place value language
  • Solve problems with some guidance and support

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of second grade, your child should be able to:

  • Fluently add up to four two-digit numbers using place value strategies
  • Choose efficient strategies based on the numbers in the problem
  • Explain why their strategies work using place value understanding
  • Solve problems independently with accuracy

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

  • Add multiple two-digit numbers quickly and accurately
  • Use place value strategies consistently when adding
  • Explain their thinking process clearly
  • Apply these skills to solve real-world problems with multiple addends
  • Check the reasonableness of their answers

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on adding two two-digit numbers using place value strategies, building the foundation for adding multiple numbers.

Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with adding three to four two-digit numbers using place value strategies.

Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Challenging problems involving adding multiple two-digit numbers in word problems and multi-step scenarios.

Download Challenge Worksheet