Educational

Number and grid markings

Number squares, hundred grids and number lines that turn a corner of the yard into a maths lesson children want to jump into.

  • Free design and site survey
  • Durable thermoplastic, anti-slip
  • Installed nationwide, often in a day
Bright thermoplastic number grid counting to 100 marked on a school playground

What are number and grid markings?

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 lines to 20, snakes that run 1 to 50 and giant dice 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.

Why schools choose them

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 yard, 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

Hot-applied 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.

Types of number and grid markings we install

Counting, times tables and number bonds, out on the yard.

1 to 100 hundred square

The ten by ten grid, in alternating colours so number patterns and multiples show up at a glance.

Number lines to 20 and 50

A straight, walkable line for counting on and back, and for early addition and subtraction.

Number snakes

A curving 1 to 50 or 1 to 100 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.

How the work goes

Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 and grid markings cost?

A single hundred square usually falls somewhere around £250 to £600 fitted, depending on its size and how many colours it uses. Bundle a grid, a number line and a times-table square into one visit and the cost per marking drops. The real figure depends on the design, the area, the surface and access, so we survey the yard and send a fixed quote before you commit to anything.

Get a fixed quote

Specification at a glance

The key details for number and grid markings. We confirm everything on your design drawing.

DetailSpecification
MaterialHot-applied thermoplastic (paint on request)
Typical hundred square3m x 3m to 5m x 5m
ColoursTwo-tone as standard, more on request
SurfaceTarmac or macadam, sound and dry
Install timeA few hours for one grid
Curriculum fitEYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 maths

Examples of our work

A closer look at number & grid markings and designs like them on real school playgrounds.

See more
  • 1 – 30 Number Ladder thermoplastic playground marking
  • 1 – 10 Number Ladder thermoplastic playground marking
  • Fraction Caterpillar thermoplastic playground marking
  • Numicons thermoplastic playground marking
  • 1 – 10 Ladybirds thermoplastic playground marking
  • 0 – 20 Dragon thermoplastic playground marking
  • Multiplication Grid 1 – 12 2019 thermoplastic playground marking
  • 1-10 Number Faces thermoplastic playground marking

Number and grid markings: your questions answered

How big is a 1 to 100 number grid?

A hundred square is usually marked between 3 and 5 metres across, 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 lines, snakes, times-table squares and place-value 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 holds its colour and outline far longer than paint, even under constant footfall. It is the same material used for road markings, so a school playground is well within what it is built for.

Get a free design and a fixed quote

Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw number & grid markings around your yard and send a fixed price, with no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?

0333 321 6695

We will call you back to talk it through. No obligation. Prefer to talk now?Call 0333 321 6695.

Ready to get your playground moving?

Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a fixed quote.

  • Free design and site survey
  • No obligation
  • Nationwide install team
Call 0333 321 6695Get a quote