Year 2 Maths: What Your Child Should Know

Year 2 is the final year of Key Stage 1 and a crucial time for consolidating mathematical foundations. By the end of Year 2, children sit the KS1 SATs assessments, which measure their attainment in arithmetic and reasoning. Understanding what your child should know by the end of Year 2 helps you support their learning effectively.

Place value is fundamental to all number work. Year 2 children should be able to count in steps of 2, 3, and 5 from zero, and in tens from any number forwards and backwards. They should recognise the place value of each digit in a two-digit number (knowing that 47 means 4 tens and 7 ones). They need to compare and order numbers from 0 to 100 using the symbols < > and = and be able to read and write numbers to at least 100 in numerals and words.

Addition and subtraction skills develop significantly in Year 2. Children should recall and use addition and subtraction facts to 20 fluently, and derive related facts up to 100. This means if they know 4+3=7, they can work out 40+30=70. They should add and subtract numbers using concrete objects, pictorial representations, and mentally, including a two-digit number and ones, a two-digit number and tens, and two two-digit numbers. Our [addition worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/addition) and [subtraction worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/subtraction) provide plenty of practice.

Multiplication and division are introduced more formally in Year 2. Children should recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5, and 10 times tables. They need to understand multiplication as repeated addition and arrays, and division as sharing and grouping. Recognising odd and even numbers is also expected. Regular practice with [times tables worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/times-tables) builds the fluency needed.

Fractions at Year 2 level focus on recognising, finding, naming, and writing fractions 1/3, 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of a length, shape, set of objects, or quantity. Children should write simple fractions (for example, 1/2 of 6 = 3) and recognise the equivalence of 2/4 and 1/2. Understanding that fractions are equal parts of a whole is essential at this stage.

Measurement covers length, mass, and capacity using standard units (metres, centimetres, kilograms, grams, litres, millilitres). Children should be able to compare and order measurements and read relevant scales. For time, Year 2 children should tell the time to five minutes, including quarter past/to the hour, and draw hands on a clock face. They need to know the number of minutes in an hour and hours in a day. Using [measurement worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/measurement) and [time worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/time) reinforces these skills.

Geometry includes identifying and describing the properties of 2D shapes (including the number of sides and line symmetry) and 3D shapes (including the number of edges, vertices, and faces). Children should compare and sort shapes based on their properties and use vocabulary such as sides, edges, vertices, and faces. They also learn to identify 2D shapes on the surface of 3D shapes.

Statistics at Year 2 level involves interpreting and constructing simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams, and tables. Children should be able to ask and answer questions about the data presented.

Money work is also covered. Children should recognise and use symbols for pounds (£) and pence (p) and combine amounts to make a particular value. Finding different combinations of coins that equal the same amount of money, solving simple addition and subtraction problems involving money, and giving change are all expectations.

To support your Year 2 child, focus on building confidence with core number facts. Daily practice with [number bonds](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1/number-bonds) to 10 and 20 makes arithmetic much easier. Times tables for 2, 5, and 10 should be practised until recall is automatic. Use real-life opportunities to discuss numbers: reading house numbers, counting coins, measuring ingredients, and telling the time.

Our comprehensive [Key Stage 1 maths worksheets](/worksheets/maths/key-stage-1) cover every area of the Year 2 curriculum, with questions ranging from concrete and pictorial representations to abstract number work, ensuring your child is well prepared for end-of-year assessments and the transition to Key Stage 2.