Fractions of amounts game for KS2
Practise finding fractions of amounts with this free 60-second game. Each question looks like ¼ of 8 or ½ of 24: work out the answer and hit the right button before the timer runs out. Start on Easy, then move up a level once you are getting most answers right.
The game is free, needs no login and works on computers, tablets, phones and classroom whiteboards.
How to find a fraction of an amount
Finding a fraction of a number is really a division question. There is one simple rule:
Divide by the bottom number (the denominator), then multiply by the top number (the numerator).
Unit fractions (Year 3 and Year 4)
A unit fraction has 1 on top, such as ½, ⅓, ¼ or ⅕. To find a unit fraction of an amount, you only need to divide.
- ½ of 18: divide 18 by 2 = 9
- ⅓ of 21: divide 21 by 3 = 7
- ¼ of 32: divide 32 by 4 = 8
- ⅒ of 70: divide 70 by 10 = 7
Non-unit fractions (Year 4 to Year 6)
When the top number is bigger than 1, divide first and then multiply.
- ¾ of 20: 20 ÷ 4 = 5, then 5 × 3 = 15
- ⅖ of 35: 35 ÷ 5 = 7, then 7 × 2 = 14
- ⅚ of 42: 42 ÷ 6 = 7, then 7 × 5 = 35
A quick check: ¾ of a number must be smaller than the number itself, but more than half of it. If your answer is bigger than the starting amount, something has gone wrong.
Why times tables matter for fractions
Every fraction of an amount question hides a division fact. To find ⅛ of 56 quickly, a child needs to know that 56 ÷ 8 = 7. That is why children who are secure with their times tables and division facts usually find fractions much easier. If your child is getting stuck, spend a few days on the matching table first, for example the 8 times table for eighths.
Fractions in the UK curriculum
- Year 2: find ½, ¼ and ⅓ of a small set of objects or a length.
- Year 3: find unit fractions of amounts, such as ⅕ of 30.
- Year 4: find unit and non-unit fractions of amounts, such as ¾ of 24.
- Year 5 and Year 6: fractions of larger amounts, and links between fractions, decimals and percentages. Fractions of amounts appear regularly in the KS2 SATs arithmetic paper.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Keep it short: two or three 60-second rounds a day works better than one long session.
- Say it out loud: “a quarter of 20 means 20 shared into 4 equal groups”.
- Use real objects for younger children, such as sharing 12 sweets between 3 people.
- Ask children to beat their own best score, not someone else’s.
- For whole-class practice, put the game on the whiteboard as a lesson starter. See more ideas for teachers.
Frequently asked questions
What age is this fractions game for?
It suits children aged about 7 to 11 (Year 3 to Year 6). Younger children can try Easy once they know their 2, 5 and 10 times tables.
What does “of” mean in fractions?
“Of” means multiply, but the easy way to think about it is sharing. ½ of 10 means sharing 10 into 2 equal groups, so the answer is 5.
Is the game free?
Yes. There is no login, no subscription and nothing to download.
What should my child practise next?
Try doubling and halving, square numbers or the Year 4 MTC practice. You can also see all game modes.