Make and Count Squares — Partition a Rectangle into a Grid

About this activity

Children tap the dotted lines to split a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares — 2 rows and 3 columns, 3 rows and 4 columns, on up to 4 rows and 5 columns — then type how many squares there are in all. It's a free, interactive Grade 2 geometry activity that runs in the browser on any device, with nothing to install and no account.

The big idea is that a rectangle can be split into equal squares laid out in neat rows and columns, and the rows-and-columns structure helps you count them. Because the child makes the grid themselves and then counts, they begin to feel that 3 rows of 4 squares means counting by equal groups — the quiet beginning of arrays and multiplication. The squares are all the same size on purpose, so 'how many' is a true total of equal parts.

It is aligned to Common Core 2.G.A.2 — partitioning a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and counting to find the total number. No timer, no score — just calm, playful practice.

What's inside this activity

• Designed for Grade 2 learners (ages about 7–8)
• Common Core strand: Geometry
• Aligned to Common Core standard 2.G.A.2

How to play

Tap the dotted lines to make rows and columns of equal squares.

Build the grid the round asks for, like 3 rows and 4 columns.

Type how many squares there are in all — there is no timer and no score.

What your child practices

• Splitting a rectangle into equal rows and columns of same-size squares
• Building a grid by tapping the dividing lines
• Counting the squares to find the total in the rectangle
• Noticing the rows-and-columns structure that leads toward arrays

Learning goals

Partition a rectangle into same-size squares and count the total — the focus of Common Core 2.G.A.2

See a rectangle as rows and columns of equal parts

Build the array foundation that prepares children for multiplication