Educational
Number and grid markings
Number squares, hundred grids and number lines that turn a corner of the playground into a maths lesson children want to jump into.
- Free design and site survey
- Durable thermoplastic, anti-slip
- Installed nationwide, often in a day
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 do schools choose number and grid markings?
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 tarmac, 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
Hard-wearing 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.
What types of number and grid markings do we install?
Counting, times tables and number bonds, out on the playground.
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 do we install number and grid markings?
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 space and send a fixed quote before you commit to anything.
Get a free design and quoteWhat is the specification for number and grid markings?
The key details for number and grid markings. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Durable, non-toxic thermoplastic |
| Typical hundred square | 3m x 3m to 5m x 5m |
| Colours | Two-tone as standard, more on request |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
| Install time | A few hours for one grid |
| Curriculum fit | EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 maths |
What do our number and grid markings look like on real playgrounds?
A closer look at number & grid markings and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
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 site and send a fixed price, with no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6695Thanks, that is with us
One of the team will be in touch to arrange your free design and site survey. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6695.
Which markings work well with number and grid markings?
Schemes schools often combine with number and grid markings.
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