KS2 Part Whole Models Worksheets

Our KS2 part-whole models worksheets provide a comprehensive collection of resources for Years 3 to 6, helping students master this fundamental representation strategy. Part-whole models—also known as part-whole diagrams—are visual tools that show how numbers can be split into parts or combined to make a whole, supporting understanding of addition, subtraction, and the relationship between operations. These downloadable PDF worksheets progress from simple two-part models through to more complex multi-step problems, building confidence with number bonds, missing number problems, and algebraic thinking. Each worksheet includes complete answer sheets, making marking straightforward and enabling students to self-assess their understanding of how numbers are composed and decomposed.

All worksheets are created by the team of experienced teachers at Cazoom Maths.

What Is a Part-Whole Model in Maths?

A part-whole model is a visual representation that shows how a number (the whole) can be divided into two or more parts, or how separate parts combine to create a whole. The diagram typically features a circle or box at the top representing the whole, with connected circles or boxes below showing the parts. This concrete structure helps children understand the relationship between numbers and grasp that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.

Part-whole models appear throughout the National Curriculum from Key Stage 1 onwards, providing a consistent visual method that supports mental calculation strategies, number bonds, and problem-solving. They're particularly effective for developing conceptual understanding before moving to abstract calculations, allowing students to see mathematical relationships rather than simply memorising procedures.

Which Year Groups Use Part-Whole Models?

Our part-whole model worksheets cover the full KS2 range, with resources specifically designed for Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6. Whilst children first encounter these models in KS1 with basic number bonds to 10 and 20, the concept develops considerably throughout KS2 as they apply it to larger numbers, decimals, fractions, and algebraic thinking.

In Year 3 and 4, students use part-whole models to support addition and subtraction of increasingly large numbers and to understand equivalent fractions. By Years 5 and 6, they apply these diagrams to more complex contexts including multi-step problems, finding missing values, and representing relationships in word problems. The visual approach remains valuable even as calculations become more sophisticated.

How Do Part-Whole Models Help With Finding Missing Numbers?

Part-whole models are particularly effective for missing number problems because they clearly show the relationship between known and unknown values. When one part or the whole is missing, students can apply their understanding of inverse operations—if they know the whole and one part, they subtract to find the other part; if they know both parts, they add to find the whole.

This visual structure reduces cognitive load and helps children select the correct operation without relying on keywords that can be misleading. The model acts as a thinking tool, allowing students to represent problems systematically before calculating. This approach builds algebraic reasoning skills, as finding missing values in part-whole diagrams directly connects to solving equations later in their mathematical education.

What's Included With These Part-Whole Model Worksheets?

Every worksheet in this collection is provided as a downloadable PDF with a complete answer sheet included. The resources cover various question types, from filling in missing parts or wholes to drawing models for given number sentences and using models to solve word problems. Questions are differentiated to match the expectations for each year group, ensuring appropriate challenge.

The answer sheets show all solutions clearly, making marking efficient and enabling students to check their own work and identify misconceptions. This immediate feedback is valuable for both classroom use and home learning. The PDF format means worksheets can be printed as needed or completed digitally, providing flexibility for different teaching contexts and allowing targeted practise exactly when students need it.