Number grids
Number squares, hundred grids and number lines that turn a corner of the playground into a maths lesson children want to jump into.
What are number grids?
A number grid marking is a thermoplastic 1 to 100 square laid onto the playground surface so pupils can count, add and skip along the numbers with their feet. The classic layout is a ten by ten hundred square, and we also mark number ladders up to 30, 1 to 20 snakes and dragons, and multiplication grids. Teachers use them for mental maths starters, number bonds, times tables and quick outdoor recall games, so the same square earns its keep from Reception through to Year 6. They are one type of playground markings we design and install.
Why do schools choose number grids?
Backs up the maths curriculum
A hundred square, a number line and a times-table grid cover counting, place value, number bonds and multiplication, the parts of maths that stick faster when children move to them.
Turns playtime into practice
Left out on the tarmac, a number grid gets used in free play as well as lessons. Children invent their own counting and jumping games on it without being asked.
Reads clearly for years
Hard-wearing thermoplastic keeps its digits sharp and its colours strong under daily footfall, so the 7 still looks like a 7 long after painted numbers would have worn away.
What types of number grids do we install?
Counting, times tables and number bonds, out on the playground.
1 to 100 hundred square
The ten by ten grid, in alternating colours so number patterns and multiples show up at a glance.
Number ladders
A straight, walkable 1 to 10, 1 to 20 or 1 to 30 ladder for counting on and back, and for early addition and subtraction.
Number snakes and dragons
A curving 1 to 10, 1 to 20 or 0 to 20 path that doubles as a counting game and a bit of a race.
Times-table and place-value grids
Multiplication squares and tens-and-units grids for Key Stage 2 recall work.
Number grids: designs and guide prices
Every design in this range, 30 in all, each with a guide price you can add to a quote.
Prices exclude VAT
How do we install number grids?
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 01
Survey
We measure the free tarmac you have and check it is sound and dry enough to bond to, then agree where the grid sits so it does not clash with sports lines or busy routes.
- 02
Design
You get a scaled drawing showing the grid size, the colours and the exact numbers, so the maths lead can sign it off before anything is laid.
- 03
Install
Our team masks out the grid and applies the hot thermoplastic on site. A single hundred square is usually down and cured within a few hours.
- 04
Aftercare
The markings are walkable as soon as they cool. We tell you how to keep them clear and can add extra squares or lines on a later visit as your numbers grow.
What do number grids cost?
Individual number grid designs cost from around £155 for a set of numbered squares up to about £1,275 for a large 1 to 12 multiplication grid, fitted. These are guide prices for each design, and the final figure depends on the size, the number of colours, the surface and access. Bundling a grid, a number ladder and a times-table square into one visit keeps the cost per marking down. We survey the space and send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise before you commit.
Prices exclude VAT
Payment terms and any site-dependent charges, for example an aborted visit or extra cleaning, are set out in our terms.
Get a free design and quoteWhat is the specification for number grids?
The key details for number grids. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Durable, non-toxic thermoplastic |
| Typical hundred square | Around 3m x 3m |
| Colours | Two-tone as standard, more on request |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
| Install time | A few hours for one grid |
| Curriculum fit | EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 maths |
What do our number grids look like?
A closer look at number & grid markings and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
Thinking about number & grid markings for your school? See how our process works, from a free survey to install, meet the team behind your markings, or read reviews from schools we have worked with. For directional floor and site-navigation markings we also fit wayfinding markings.
Number grids: your questions answered
How big is a 1 to 100 number grid?
Our 1 to 100 grids are about 3 metres square, so every number is big enough to stand in. We size it to the space you have and to the age of the children using it, and confirm the exact dimensions on the design drawing.
Can the numbers be changed to suit our classes?
Yes. As well as the standard 1 to 100 grid we mark number ladders, snakes, multiplication grids and coordinates grids, and we can set the range and layout to match what your classes are working on. Tell us the year groups and we will suggest a mix.
Will a number grid wear off?
Thermoplastic is bonded to the tarmac with heat and lasts up to 10 times longer than ordinary paint, even under constant footfall. Our thermoplastic markings carry a manufacturer's warranty of up to 4 years, subject to ground condition, and we have seen them last for over 10 years.
Get a free design and quote
Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw number & grid markings around your site and send a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise. There is no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6699Thanks, that is with us
We will be in touch as soon as possible to arrange your free design and quote. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6699.
What works well with number grids?
Related services and guides schools often pair with number grids.
The experts behind your markings
The people who design, price and stand behind every Uniplay installation.
Michael Jarvie
Operations Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with over 16 years' experience in the playground markings industry and masses of industry knowledge. There is very rarely a thermoplastic query he cannot resolve.
Connect on LinkedIn
Victoria Walmsley
Sales and Marketing Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with a wealth of experience across all things thermoplastic, leading sales and marketing at Uniplay.
Connect on LinkedInReady to get your playground moving?
Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Our own in-house installation team