Balancing equations worksheets

By grade

• 1st Grade Right on level
• 2nd Grade A step harder

What students need to know

The equal sign means both sides are the same amount, so check that they balance.

This skill runs from 1st grade through 2nd grade. Pick a grade above for level-matched sentences, teaching notes, and worksheets.

Balancing equations across the grades

1st grade

These worksheets teach 1st graders what the equal sign really means: both sides are the same amount, not "answer coming next." Your child judges equations like 5 + 2 = 2 + 5 true or false, and fills blanks so both sides match.

2nd grade

By 2nd grade, balancing equations becomes a fluency workout: your child compares both sides of an equation and finds the number that keeps them equal. Kids who read the equal sign correctly now avoid the classic algebra stumbles later.