The Abacus Learning Path: 4 Levels from First Bead to Mental Math
The same sequence abacus coaching centres use — direct operations first, then Small Friend, Big Friend and Family formulas, then Anzan — rebuilt as guided lessons a child can follow alone.
Learn → Practice → Quiz
Every lesson in Levels 1 and 2 has the same three parts, so even a four-year-old always knows what comes next. Level 3 switches to timed Anzan modes and Level 4 to table drills, flashcards and fill-the-blanks.
Learn
One idea at a time — one bead, one rule, one formula — in five short illustrated steps with the abacus drawn at each one.
Practice
Five problems on the interactive abacus: set the number, or solve the equation, and confirm.
Quiz
Ten four-choice questions and a star rating. Stars are saved on the lesson card, and only your best score is kept.
Which level is right for my child?
Age 4–6, never used an abacus
Start at Level 1. The five Bead Basics lessons are free and take most children two to three weeks at ten minutes a day.
Age 6–8, can set numbers to 99
Skim Level 1 for confidence, then begin Level 2. The first three chapters (direct earth and heaven bead moves) are free — the Small Friend, Big Friend and Family formula chapters are Premium.
Age 8+, already knows the formulas
Go straight to Level 3 to start Anzan training, and use Abacus Practice for volume drilling alongside it. Level 3 is a Premium level.
Age 10+, learning times tables
Level 4 covers every table to ×20 with read-aloud learning, drills, flashcards and fill-the-blanks. Tables ×1–×3 are free to try.
Keep exploring
Level 1 is free — start today
Five complete Bead Basics lessons, no card and no time limit. See how your child takes to the abacus before you spend anything.
