Learning in Maths doesn’t always need all the fancy resources. We love using everyday items and including them in our lessons. A simple deck of UNO cards can be used in so many different ways to create fun learning activities for kids.
How Can You Use UNO Cards in Maths?
Teachers often ask us:
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How can I use UNO cards to teach multiplication?
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What maths skills can you teach with UNO?
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Are UNO cards good for maths groups?
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How many UNO packs do I need for my class?
The short answer?
A simple deck of UNO cards can be used to teach number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, fractions, factors, fluency and problem-solving — from early learners right through to upper primary.
They are inexpensive, hands-on, highly engaging, and perfect for maths groups, warm-ups, fast finishers and low-prep lessons. And below, we’re sharing 22 ways to use them!
What Maths Skills Can You Teach With UNO Cards?
You can use UNO cards to teach:
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Number recognition
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Subitising
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Addition and subtraction
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Multiplication and division
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Times tables fluency
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Place value
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Fractions
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Factors and prime numbers
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Greater than / less than
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Mental maths
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Number patterns
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Algorithms
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STEM problem solving
We’ve created ready-to-print UNO Maths Games for early years, beginning primary, middle primary and upper primary to make implementation even easier.
Time poor? Click here for ready-to-print resources to help you get started using UNO cards in your classroom.
UNO Cards Activities for 2-4 Years (Early Learners)
Find our print-and-go UNO resources for this age group here.
Colour sorting
Organise the cards according to colour. Put out coloured plates, bowls or paper to assist them in completing this independently.
Number matching
Sort the cards according to number. For example: Collect all the ones and put them in a pile, all the twos and so on.
Number-object match
The idea behind this activity is to choose a UNO card and then count out the number of objects that matches the card. You can use lego blocks, counters, pom poms or even food for this one.
Creating a number line
Either layout the numbers in a row or you can peg them up on a string in number order (using pegs is also great for fine motor skills). If children are young, lay the numbers out for them in order and then ask them to copy your number line.
Number-word match
Have the numbers 1-9 written in words on cards. Choose a card and then find the word to match. You can extend this activity by making 2-digit numbers (place two cards side-by-side) and get children to record the number in words themselves.
Make a tally
Choose a uno card and using paddle pop sticks, make a tally that represents that number.
UNO Cards Activities for 5-7 Years (Beginning of Primary school)
Find our print-and-go UNO resources for this age group here.
Friends to 10
Work on addition fluency by picking a card and matching it’s ‘Friend to ten’.
Uno card and domino match
This task develops a skill we call subitising. Match the number on the card to the number of dots on a domino.
Single-digit Addition and Subtraction practice
These cards are great, random number generators. Pick two cards and have kids add them together or subtract them.
Tell the time
Work on reading the time with the uno card representing the hour.
Creating patterns
Make patterns with the cards. They can use the number and/or colours to make their patterns more complicated.
UNO Cards Activities for 7-10 Years (Middle Primary school)
Find our print-and-go UNO resources for this age group here.
Times table practise
Choose two random cards and multiply them together. If the children are having trouble working on a particular times table, keep the second card the same and have them mix up the first number. For Example: 2 x 8 , 4 x 8, 7 x 8.
Two (or more) Digit Addition & Subtraction
Depending on how children are developing with their addition and subtraction skills, use the cards to create algorithms for them to solve. We like to use sticky notes to mix up the addition and subtraction signs.
Greater than or Less than
Again, sticky notes work great for adding greater than, less than or equal to signs in between each card. Work with single digits or place two or more cards side by side to make number sentences a little more complicated.
Place Value War
This game also needs a partner. Each player chooses two cards and makes a 2-digit number. The player with the largest number gets a point. The first player to 5 is the winner – children in middle primary love this game. You can make it more complicated by increasing the size of the numbers that the kids are playing with.Grab it for FREE here.
Play 21
You will need a partner to play this game. The aim is for the cards to add to 21 or as close as possible. One person is the dealer, and the other is the player. The player asks the dealer to deal the cards and stops them before they hit 21. Whoever gets closest to 21, is the winner.
UNO Cards Activities for 10-12 Years (Late Primary)
Find our print-and-go UNO resources for this age group here.
Multiplication fluency
Choose two numbers and multiply them together. The aim is to be as fluent as possible. Try timing how many questions can be solved in 1 or 2 minutes and then work on beating your PB.
Multiplication algorithms
Depending on how children are developing with their multiplication skills, use the cards to create algorithms to solve. Again, we like to use sticky notes to add in the multiplication sign.
Make Fractions
Place 1 card below another to make a fraction. You can do loads of tasks with fractions such as convert improper fractions into mixed numbers, add and subtract fractions or compare fractions with a greater than, less than or equals to sign.
Factor find
Choose a number and then find its factors using the UNO cards. They can make 2-digit numbers by placing two cards side by side.
Prime number sort
Sort numbers into 2 groups: Prime and composite.
Addition and Subtraction algorithms
Using uno cards is also a fun way to set up addition and/or subtraction algorithms. They can even swap card when they need to ‘trade’.
All age groups
Enlarge UNO cards on the photocopier and use them as a resource. This is a super simple maths warmup or centre (and the novelty of the large UNO cards always get kids talking). Ask students to record number sentences where the answer is the number on the card. You could mix this up with various skills:
⭐️ Addition number sentences
⭐️ Subtraction number sentences
⭐️ Times tables (eg x8 on the 8 cards)
⭐️ Division facts
⭐️ Or anything they know about that number
Even better you could laminate or put them in plastic sleeves and use them over and over. 
STEM Activity
Ask your kids to create a card house. You could even hold a competition to see who can create the largest, tallest or strongest house.
Finally, why do UNO cards work so well in maths?
Because they remove worksheet fatigue. They turn repetition into game-based learning. They allow teachers to differentiate instantly by adjusting the size of numbers or the skill focus. And most importantly, they increase engagement without increasing teacher workload. A win for teachers and a win for students!
Using everyday items can make learning a little bit more exciting for kids. We would love to hear how you go if you use any of these ideas in your classroom or at home! Connect with us via email, on Instagram or Facebook.
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Love these ideas but you are time poor? Grab our print-and-go UNO card resources for your grade by click the image below:
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