How many more? How many fewer?: what children learn
Year 3 pupils solve one-step and two-step questions using information in scaled bar charts, pictograms and tables, such as 'how many more?' and 'how many fewer?'.
In this game each card gives two values from a chart, and children match it to the difference. Whether the question says 'more' or 'fewer', the answer is the gap between the two numbers.
This topic covers the Year 3 statutory requirement in the National Curriculum in England (Statistics): pupils should be taught to “solve one-step and two-step questions [for example, 'How many more?' and 'How many fewer?'] using information presented in scaled bar charts and pictograms and tables”. Year 3 pupils are usually aged 7–8.
For families following US standards, the closest Common Core standard is 3.MD.B.3, which is taught in Grade 3.
How to play
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 6 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Find both values. Read the two numbers you need from the chart or table.
- Spot the difference question. 'How many more?' and 'how many fewer?' both ask for the difference.
- Subtract the smaller from the larger. For cats 25 and dogs 13, work out 25 − 13 = 12.
- Or count on. Count on from the smaller number to the larger one: from 13 to 25 is 12.
Worked examples
Example 1: Cats 14, dogs 9: how many more cats than dogs?
Working: 14 − 9 = 5.
Answer: 5
Example 2: Cats 8, dogs 16: how many fewer cats than dogs?
Working: 16 − 8 = 8.
Answer: 8
Example 3: Cats 50, dogs 24: how many more cats than dogs?
Working: Count on from 24 to 30 (6), then 30 to 50 (20). 6 + 20 = 26.
Answer: 26
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Adding the two numbers together. Ask: is the question asking for a total or for a gap? 'More' and 'fewer' mean a gap.
- Subtracting the larger number from the smaller one. Always start with the larger number, or count on from the smaller number.
- Thinking 'fewer' means the answer must be small. The gap is the same whichever way you ask: 9 more cats means 9 fewer dogs.
Activities to try at home
- Compare the number of red and blue sweets in a packet and ask how many more.
- Count shoes and socks in the house and find how many fewer of one there are.
- Make up 'how many more?' questions from sports scores.
Ideas for the classroom
- Pupils write a 'more' and a 'fewer' question for the same two bars.
- Use a number line to show counting on from the smaller value to the larger one.
- Show two-step questions: how many more cats and dogs together than fish?
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What is a two-step question?
It needs two calculations, for example finding the total of two bars before comparing with a third. This game focuses on the first step, finding a difference.
Why do some children find 'fewer' harder?
The word suggests taking away, but the calculation is the same as for 'more'. Practising both side by side helps.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it, then pick its partner.