Maths · Ticking and colouring worksheet
Odd and Even Numbers Worksheet (Free KS1 Maths Printable)
This free printable helps children in Years 1 and 2 understand odd and even numbers through a simple, concrete idea: a number is even if its objects can be sorted into pairs with none left over, and odd if there is always one spare. Using socks on a washing line makes the maths tangible, because socks naturally come in pairs.
The worksheet prints to a single A4 page. Children tick the sets of socks that make an even number, then colour the washing line. It pairs well with counting in twos and with practical sorting activities at home or in the classroom.
Odd and Even: Socks on the Line
Free Maths worksheet · Ages 6 to 7
Activity 1
Pair up the socks in each set. Tick the sets that make an even number (every sock has a partner, with none left over).
- A set of 4 socks
- A set of 3 socks
- A set of 6 socks
- A set of 5 socks
- A set of 8 socks
- A set of 7 socks
Activity 2
Now colour the washing line. Try to colour the socks in matching pairs, so each pair is the same colour.
- Colour the two posts brown
- Colour each pair of socks a different bright colour
Odd and Even: Socks on the Lineowee.worldAnswer key
- A set of 4 socks — tick
- A set of 6 socks — tick
- A set of 8 socks — tick
What odd and even numbers mean at KS1
In Key Stage 1, children learn that an even number of objects can be shared equally into two groups, or grouped into pairs, with nothing left over. An odd number always leaves one spare. By Year 2, the National Curriculum expects pupils to recognise odd and even numbers, and this worksheet keeps the idea concrete by asking children to pair up socks before deciding. Even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8; odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, but at this age the pairing model matters far more than the rule about last digits.
Why socks make pairing easy to see
Socks are an ideal context because they belong in pairs in real life, so the maths matches a child's everyday experience. When children physically draw a ring around two socks at a time, they can see whether one is left over. This 'one for you, one for me' approach links neatly to early division and sharing, and it builds the foundation for later work on multiples of two. Encourage children to say the count aloud in twos as they pair: two, four, six, and so on.
How to use this worksheet
Print the page and ask the child to look at each set of socks. For each set, they pair the socks up, decide whether any are left over, and tick the sets that are even. Once the ticking is done, the colouring activity lets younger children consolidate their counting while staying engaged. For an extra challenge, ask the child to count the socks in twos and tell you the total, or to find a set that is odd and add one more sock to make it even.
Extending the learning at home
This printable connects to lots of practical everyday maths. Sorting real washing into pairs, counting steps in twos, or dividing snacks fairly between two people all reinforce the same idea. You might ask whether the number of people at the table is odd or even, or whether everyone in a board game can be split into two equal teams. Little conversations like these help the concept stick far better than worksheets alone, and they show children that maths is genuinely useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is an odd or even number for KS1 children?
An even number of objects can be split into two equal groups, or sorted into pairs, with nothing left over. An odd number always leaves one spare object. At KS1, children learn this best by physically pairing things up rather than by memorising rules.
What age are odd and even numbers taught in the UK?
Recognising odd and even numbers is a Year 2 objective in the National Curriculum, so it is usually taught around ages 6 to 7. It builds on Year 1 work counting in twos, which is why this worksheet suits children in Years 1 and 2.
How do I explain odd and even to a 6 year old?
Use real objects that come in pairs, such as socks or shoes. Ask the child to group them two at a time. If every object has a partner, the number is even; if one is left without a partner, the number is odd. Saying the count in twos out loud also helps.
Is zero odd or even?
Zero is even, because it can be divided into two equal groups with nothing left over. This is not usually emphasised at KS1, but if a child asks, it is a fair and accurate answer that fits the pairing idea perfectly.
Is this odd and even numbers worksheet free to print?
Yes. This worksheet is completely free to download and print. It fits on a single A4 page and is designed for use at home or in the classroom with children aged 6 to 7.
Curriculum links
- Year 2 Number and place value: recognise odd and even numbers
- Year 1 Number and place value: count, read and write numbers to 100 in numerals; count in multiples of twos
- Year 2 Multiplication and division: count in steps of 2 from 0 and 1, forward and backward
- Year 2 Number: use the language of equal sharing and grouping as a foundation for odd and even (non-statutory guidance)
Made by The Owee education team. Updated 02/06/2026. Free to print and share.
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