What is a virtual rekenrek?

It is an online number rack: two rows of ten beads (five red, five white) that you slide to build numbers to 20. This page is a free interactive rekenrek you can use on a laptop or interactive board.

How do I show a number on the rekenrek?

Move beads to the left. The count of beads on the left of the top and bottom rows is your number. Example: 5 on top and 2 on bottom shows 7.

Why are some beads red and some white?

The color break at five helps students subitize (see quantities at a glance) and build mental math strategies around five and ten.

Is this the same as a number rack?

Yes. Rekenrek and number rack usually mean the same two-row bead rack used in early number sense.

Can I print or download the rekenrek?

Yes. Export PNG or SVG from the interactive tool, or use the example gallery images. No sign-up required for the precise tool.

What ages is a rekenrek for?

Typically Pre-K through grade 2 for counting, making 10, and early addition — and as a support for older students who still need concrete 5- and 10-structures.

Math Tool

Virtual Rekenrek Online Free Interactive Number Rack

Free interactive rekenrek (number rack) online — two rows of 10 beads, red/white fives, build numbers to 20, export SVG/PNG.

Two rows of 10 beads (red/white fives)Build numbers to 20 with presetsClick beads or use +/− controlsExport SVG & PNG — free

Top row (beads on left: 0–10)

Bottom row (beads on left: 0–10)

Show totalShow equation (top + bottom)

Tip: beads on the left are the number you are building. First five on each rod are red, next five white — so you can subitize 5 without counting one-by-one.

Swipe sideways to reach every bead, or use the row controls.

Total: 7(tap beads or use controls)

Example rekenrek configurations

Exact engine renders — same math as the interactive tool.

View:

Rekenrek showing 7

Exact engine render — 5 + 2 = 7 using the five-structure.

7exact

Rekenrek showing 10

Exact engine render — 5 + 5 = 10, double five.

10exact

Rekenrek showing 12

Exact engine render — 10 + 2 = 12 for teen numbers.

12exact

Rekenrek showing 15

Exact engine render — full top row plus five bottom.

15exact

Rekenrek showing 20

Exact engine render — both rows fully on the left (20).

20exact

Cleared rekenrek (0)

Exact engine render — all beads on the right (start / clear).

clearexact

What is a rekenrek?

A rekenrek (also called a number rack) is a math manipulative with two rods and ten beads on each rod. The first five beads are usually red and the next five white so students can see groups of five without counting one bead at a time. Beads slide: the ones pushed to the left show the number. Two rows make numbers up to 20. This free virtual rekenrek online works like a classroom rack — build quantities, see 5-structures, and export PNG or SVG for slides or worksheets.

How to use this digital rekenrek

Slide beads left with the +/− controls, type a count (0–10) per row, click a bead, or use presets (5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20).
Read the total and the equation top + bottom. Hide either label when you want students to figure it out first.
Export SVG for print-perfect worksheets or PNG for LMS slides. The AI tab can sketch a decorative rekenrek if you need a static illustration.

Mini-lesson ideas

Subitizing: flash a configuration (e.g. 5 + 2) and ask for the total without counting every bead.
Make 10: put 6 on top and ask how many more on the bottom make 10.
Teen numbers: fill the top row (10) then add bottom beads for 11–20.
Compare strategies: “I saw 5 red and 2 more” vs “I counted 1, 2, 3…”.

Rekenrek vs ten frame vs number line

A ten frame is a fixed 2×5 grid you fill with counters. A rekenrek keeps beads on wires so motion and 5-color structure stay visible.
A number line shows order and distance; a rekenrek emphasizes composing numbers with fives and tens.
Use our Ten Frame Generator and Number Line Generator when you need those models — they pair well with a digital rekenrek.

Frequently Asked Questions

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