Growing square number patterns worksheets

What is on this worksheet

Count the tiles in the first three steps of a growing square, then find how many tiles are in Step 6.

• Pattern: Squares

You can change any of these settings above. Press "New problems" for a fresh set with the same settings, or pick Version A to Z to print different sheets for neighboring desks. The answer key always matches.

About growing shape patterns

Each pattern shows the first three or four steps drawn with tiles, dots or matchsticks. Students count each step, write the numbers in boxes, and then work out how many there are in a much later step, such as Step 6 or Step 10. There are six kinds of pattern: L shapes, plus signs, staircases, squares, square frames and rows of matchstick squares.

Some of the patterns grow by the same amount every step, and the staircases and squares grow by a bit more each time, so teachers can compare the two kinds. The pictures and the answer key always agree.

Printing

US Letter or A4, portrait: choose your paper size above. Print at 100 percent (actual size). Use "Black and white" for the copier, or "Color" for display pages and mini books.