Free Printable Number Flashcards 1-20 for Preschoolers

Learning numbers doesn’t have to feel like a lesson at the kitchen table. For preschoolers, some of the best learning happens through simple games, repetition, and hands-on activities that make early math concepts fun. These free printable number flashcards are a simple educational resource you can use at home or in the classroom to help young children practice numbers 1-20.

There are two sets of number cards included in this printable. The first is a simple set with just the numeral on each card. The second set includes both the number and the corresponding number words. Having two options makes it easy to choose the set that works best for your child’s grade level and learning needs.

Whether you’re working on number recognition, counting, number sequence, or helping little learners connect a numeral with its name, these number flashcards are a fun way to practice.

Free Printable Number Flashcards 1-20

This printable set includes numbers 1 through 20 in an easy-to-use PDF format. Simply print the cards on card stock, cut them apart, and you’re ready to start learning!

There are two versions available:

• Number-only flashcards: Each card features a large, easy-to-see numeral.
• Number + number word flashcards: Each card includes the numeral and its written number name, such as “7” and “seven.”

The number-only cards are especially helpful for practicing number recognition, while the second set gives children a chance to connect the numeral with its written word.

If you want to make the cards more durable, consider laminating them after cutting them apart. You can keep them in a small container, zipper bag, or envelope so they’re always ready for a quick learning activity.

For best results, print the cards on white card stock or colorful background paper. You can even let your preschooler help choose the paper!

Why Practice Numbers 1-20?

Numbers 1-20 are an important foundation for early math skills. Before children can work confidently with addition, subtraction, and other basic math concepts, they need to become familiar with numbers and understand what those numbers represent.

For preschoolers and other early learners, this can include:

• Recognizing numerals
• Saying numbers aloud
• Counting objects
• Understanding number sequence
• Connecting a number to a quantity
• Recognizing number words
• Comparing small quantities
• Beginning to understand addition and subtraction
• Developing students’ number sense

Flashcards aren’t meant to replace hands-on learning, but they can be a great tool to use alongside math manipulativesand everyday counting activities.

For example, show your child the number 8 and then have them count eight blocks, crayons, buttons, or even sunflower seeds. This gives children a concrete way to understand that the numeral represents an actual quantity.

Start with Number Recognition

One of the first goals when teaching numbers is helping your child recognize a numeral when they see it.

Start with just three or four cards. Place them on the table and ask, “Can you find the number 4?”

Once your child is comfortable with those numbers, gradually add more cards.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t immediately recognize every number. Preschoolers are still developing their number sense, and repetition is an important part of learning.

You can also mix up the cards and have your child put them in order from 1-20. This is a simple way to practice number sequence while turning learning into a game.

Fun Number Flashcard Games

Flashcards don’t have to mean sitting still and answering one question after another! Try some of these simple games to make practicing numbers more exciting.

1. Number Hunt

Place several flashcards around the room. Call out a number and have your child find it.

For example, say, “Can you find number 12?”

Once they find the card, celebrate their success and choose another number.

This is a particularly good activity for young learners who enjoy moving around while they learn.

2. Count It Out

Choose a flashcard and have your child count out that many objects.

If you draw the number 6, your child could count out six blocks, six toy cars, six crayons, or six sunflower seeds.

This activity connects number representations with real quantities and gives children a visual representation of what each number means.

3. Missing Number Game

Place several cards in order, but remove one.

For example:

8, 9, __, 11, 12

Ask your child which number is missing.

This simple activity helps children practice number sequence and encourages critical thinking.

4. Number Match

Use both printable sets to create a matching game.

Place the number-only cards face up on the table. Then give your child the number-and-word cards and ask them to match each one.

A card showing 15 would be matched with 15 fifteen.

This is a fun way to introduce number words without making the activity feel like formal schoolwork.

5. Flashcard Race

Lay several cards on the floor. Call out a number and have your child race to touch the correct card.

You can make this a family game or play with small groups of children.

For classroom teachers, this could be a great addition to math centers or circle time.

Make Flashcards More Hands-On

Young children often learn best when they can see, touch, move, and manipulate objects.

Use these cards with math manipulatives such as:

• Counting bears
• Linking cubes
• LEGO bricks
• Buttons
• Pom-poms
• Small toys
• Blocks
• Play dough

Show your child a number card and have them build that quantity.

Using the Number + Number Word Cards

The second flashcard set is especially helpful once your child is comfortable recognizing basic numbers.

Seeing both the numeral and the word allows children to begin making connections between different number representations.

For example:

4 → four

11 → eleven

18 → eighteen

This can be especially useful for preschoolers who are beginning to recognize letters and words. It also provides a natural bridge between early math and early literacy.

You don’t need your child to memorize every number word right away. Simply seeing the words repeatedly is a great introduction.

Print them on cardstock and laminate them to make them last longer!

I love my laminator and use it for so many preschool activities. Check it out HERE.

<< Download the Free Printable Number Flashcards HERE >>