Find area by counting squares
Counting squares lets your child see exactly what an area number means, long before any formula appears. While counting, many children notice they can count one row and multiply, which leads straight to finding a rectangle's area. Working with square inches, square feet, and square meters also builds a sense of size that helps later with floor plans, gardens, and the area work of 4th and 5th grade.
In this video, your child will learn to find area by counting square units.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Area = ? sq in
Example 2
Area = ? tiles
Your child's turn
Area = ? sq ft
The three key steps
- 1Each square is one square unit.
- 2Count the squares.
- 3That's the area in square units.
Mistakes to listen for
- Counting some squares twice or skipping some in a large shape, so the area is off by a few.
- Writing inches instead of square inches, not yet seeing that area is counted in squares, not lengths.
- Counting the grid lines instead of the squares between them, so a shape 4 squares wide becomes 5.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to finding area by counting squares →
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Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice finding area by counting squares, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to finding area by counting squares has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice finding area by counting squares
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on finding area by counting squares and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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