Quick Answer:The Abacus Model is a frame of rods with movable, colour-coded beads, where each rod stands for a place value such as ones, tens or hundreds, used to teach counting, addition and subtraction.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Key Features
Frame with rods carrying movable beads.
Each rod represents a place value: ones, tens, hundreds.
Colour-coded beads for easy reading.
Supports mental arithmetic practice.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Components
Frame, rods, colour-coded beads
Material
Plastic or wooden frame with beads
Place values
Ones, tens, hundreds
How It Is Used
Pupils identify each rod as a place value and move beads to show numbers. Adding beads models addition and removing them models subtraction; daily practice builds speed before pupils move on to mental calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Abacus Model show place value?
Each rod represents a place value such as ones, tens and hundreds, and beads are moved on the rods to represent numbers.
