Can I reset the abacus?

Yes, use the Reset button to clear all beads and start fresh calculations.

Online Abacus Calculator

Interactive virtual abacus for learning mental math and traditional calculation methods. Click the beads to perform calculations just like a real abacus.

Virtual Abacus

Current Value: 0

Us5.com Abacus

10B

100M

10M

100K

10K

100

Pos 1

Pos 2

Pos 3

Pos 4

Pos 5

Pos 6

Pos 7

Pos 8

Pos 9

Pos 10

How to Use

Upper Beads (Red)

Each represents 5 units in its position

Lower Beads (Blue/Yellow)

Each represents 1 unit in its position

Instructions

Click beads to move them
Active beads count toward the total
Each column represents a decimal place
Use Reset to clear all beads

Abacus Facts

• Used for over 2,000 years
• Still taught in many schools today
• Improves mental calculation skills
• The word comes from Greek "abax"
• Japanese version called "Soroban"
• Chinese version called "Suanpan"

Step-by-Step Instructions

Click Beads to Move Them

Click on any bead to move it toward or away from the crossbar. Beads touching the crossbar represent active values.

Understand Bead Values

Top beads (heaven beads) are worth 5 units each. Bottom beads (earth beads) are worth 1 unit each for their column.

Work from Right to Left

The rightmost column represents ones, next is tens, then hundreds, and so on. Each column has a place value.

Set Numbers

To set a number, move the appropriate beads to touch the crossbar. The display shows the current total value.

Perform Calculations

Add by moving more beads to the crossbar, subtract by moving beads away. Practice with simple operations first.

Reset When Needed

Use the "Reset Abacus" button to clear all beads and start with a fresh calculation.

Pro Tips

🧮

Start Simple: Begin with basic addition and subtraction before attempting more complex calculations like multiplication.

🎯

Practice Regularly: Daily practice with the abacus improves mental arithmetic skills and finger memory for bead movements.

⚡

Learn Exchange Rules: When a column reaches 5 earth beads, exchange them for one heaven bead. When reaching 10, carry to the next column.

👀

Visualize Numbers: Learn to quickly recognize number patterns on the abacus without counting individual beads.

🏃

Build Speed Gradually: Focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase your calculation speed as movements become natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the online abacus?

Click on the beads to move them towards or away from the center divider. Active beads (those moved toward the center) count toward the total value. Each column represents a decimal place, from billions on the left to ones on the right.

What is the difference between upper and lower beads?

Upper beads (red) are "heaven beads" and each represents 5 units in its decimal position. Lower beads (blue/yellow) are "earth beads" and each represents 1 unit in its decimal position.

Why learn to use an abacus?

Learning the abacus improves mental calculation skills, enhances concentration, and provides a deeper understanding of number relationships. Many students find it helps with math anxiety and builds confidence with numbers.

Can I perform addition and subtraction?

Yes! Start with one number on the abacus, then add or remove beads to perform calculations. For subtraction, remove the appropriate beads. For addition, add more beads to increase the value.

What is the maximum number I can display on this abacus?

This virtual abacus can display numbers up to 9,999,999,999 (nearly 10 billion). Each rod can show 0-9, and with 10 rods you have 10 decimal places from ones to billions.