Fraction strips printable helps kids see and compare how big each fraction really is. For example, lining up the strips shows them that two sixths cover the same space as one third, so they can spot equal fractions on their own. It also shows them why one eighth is smaller than one quarter, even though 8 is bigger than 4.
What’s in This Fraction Strips Printable?
- Rainbow colour fraction strips
- Black and white fraction strips to colour in
- A blank fraction strips template
- An activity sheet with an answer key
All four sheets are free A4 PDFs. If you print on US Letter paper, just choose “Fit to page”.
Printable Rainbow Fraction Strips
Start with this one first. The bright colours make matching pieces quick, and the black labels stay clear even on a basic home printer.
Black and White Version (Saves Ink)
This one saves your colour ink. Kids can colour each strip before cutting it out, so they look closely at every piece too.
Blank Fraction Strips Template
It’s the same 12 strips, but with no labels. Kids write the fraction in each part first, then colour and cut. It’s also a good way to check what they remember after using the colour set.
Fraction Strips Activity Sheet with Answers
There are twelve short questions to answer while the strips are on the table: finding equal fractions, circling the bigger or smaller one, and putting fractions in order. The answer key is on page two.
How to Use Printable Fraction Strips
- Print the colour or the black and white sheet. Thin card works best because it lasts longer than paper.
- Cut along the dashed lines so each row is a separate strip.
- Next, put the “1 whole” strip at the top.
- Then line up the other strips underneath it.
- Finally, ask questions as they go. How many quarters fit under one half? Is one sixth bigger than one eighth?
Tip: keep each set in a zip bag or an envelope, so no pieces go missing.
Strips or a Wall: Which Should You Use?
They show the same idea in two ways. A fraction wall is one sheet with all the rows joined, so it’s great on a classroom wall. Fraction strips are cut apart, so kids can slide one under another and check answers for themselves. In the US, they’re often called fraction bars.
Looking for a wall instead? Then try our blank and colour fraction wall sheets, the fraction wall posters or the cut and paste fraction wall.
Which Ages and Year Levels Is This For?
Most children aged about 7 to 11 get the most out of these. That’s roughly Years 2 to 5 in Australia, Years 3 to 6 in England and Grades 2 to 5 in the US. Younger kids can start with just halves and quarters. Older kids can then move on to the full set up to twelfths.
To see what each level covers, check the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics, the national curriculum for England or the Common Core math standards used in many US states.
