Square Numbers

Download a FREE poster showing all the square numbers to 100!

What are square numbers?

A square number is the product of a number multiplied by itself. 

In maths, the word ‘product’ means the result of one or more multiplications. For example, in the number sentence, axb=c (a multiplied by b equals c), c is the product of the equation. 

Square numbers include 1, 4, 9, 16 and 25, because 

1x1=1

2x2=4

3x3=9

4x4=16

5x5=25 

… and so on!

Why are square numbers called square numbers?

Square numbers are called square numbers (or squared numbers) because they form the area of a square. The sides are an equal number of units in length so they make a square. 

Here is a list of all the square numbers to 100:

Try covering one of the columns, can you fill in the missing numbers?

Can you work out the squared numbers up to 1000?

Download this free handy 100 square showing all the square numbers to 100. 

Is there a quick way to write a number squared?

Yes! Numbers that are going to be squared are often written with a little 2 after them.

1²means 1x1 so 1² = 1

2² means 2x2 so 2² = 4

3² means 3x3 so 3² = 9

4² means 4x4 so 4² = 16

5² means 5x5 so 5² = 25

When are square numbers taught in the English National Curriculum?

In the English National Curriculum squared numbers are introduced to children in Year 5. They build on their knowledge of multiplication and division by learning the notations for squared and cubed. They then use this knowledge to solve problems. 

You can find all our Maths schemes of work featuring squared numbers by using our objective checker. 

• recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers, and the notation for squared (²) and cubed (³)

• solve problems involving multiplication and division including using their knowledge of factors and multiples, squares and cubes

Teach your Year 5’s about Squares, Cubes, and Factors. During this five-lesson series, your class will learn how to identify and use squared and cubed numbers, as well as how to find factor pairs. They will find factor pairs using divisibility tests to identify factors of larger numbers. 

Revisit the children’s understanding of square and cube numbers in the context of area and volume with our Primes, Squares, and Cubes series of lessons. Then move on to explore the definition of prime and composite numbers and their properties.

If you are looking for other primary school maths lessons make sure you have a look at our collection of maths packs, which are designed to give you full coverage of the national curriculum.