Math Bingo Generator

About this tool

Math bingo turns fact practice into a game that students ask to play again. The caller reads a problem, students work out the answer, and anyone who has it on their card crosses it off. The first player with a full row, column or diagonal calls out bingo.

The hardest part of running bingo in a classroom is making cards that are all different. If two students have the same card, they will call bingo at the same time every time. This generator makes up to 30 different cards in one go, and checks that no two cards are the same. Every number on every card is an answer you will call, so there are no dead squares.

The answer key is your calling list. It shows each problem next to its answer, in a random order, so you can read down the list without preparing anything. Choose multiplication or division facts for a range of factors, addition or subtraction facts, fractions that students match with their decimal equivalents, or integer addition.

How to use it

1. Choose the skill and the range of numbers. For multiplication, pick the smallest and largest factor.
2. Pick the card size. A 3 by 3 card is quick. A 5 by 5 card with a free space is the classic game.
3. Choose how many different cards you need. Make one for each student, or a few for pairs.
4. Press New cards if you want a fresh set. Print the cards, then print the answer key as your calling list.
5. Call the problems in the order given. Students cross off answers. Check winners against the list.

Tips for a smooth game

Give each student a handful of counters or a pencil to mark squares. If you want students to show their thinking, ask them to write the matching problem beside each marked square. To check a bingo, read back the problems that were called in the winning row and confirm that each answer is on the card.

For a longer game, try blackout bingo, where students must cover every square. For a shorter game, play for four corners.