Add numbers with up to 4 digits together

Watch: How to use column addition

Let's recap the basic method for column addition with this video.

This video can not be played

The column method involves writing one number underneath the other.

Add the numbers, starting from the right.

If the two numbers in a place value column add up to a number greater than 9, you must carry a digit.

Image caption,
Start from the ones column: 3 + 9 = 12. Write a 2 in the ones column and carry 10 to the tens column by writing a 1 below.
Image caption,
In the tens column: 40 + 20 + 10 = 70. Remember to add that extra ten you carried over.
Image caption,
In the hundreds column: 300 + 300 = 600.
Image caption,
The finished sum. 343 + 329 = 672.

If you can add two 3-digit numbers, then you can use the exact same method to add 4-digit numbers together!

Just remember to add on the number that you carry over.

Image caption,
What is 4214 + 3936? As always, start by adding the ones column. 4 + 6 = 10. Place a 0 in the ones column and carry 10 over to the tens column.
Image caption,
Add up all the digits in the tens column. Don’t forget about the 10 that was carried over!
Image caption,
Move on to the hundreds column. 200 + 900 = 1100. Put the 1 in the hundreds column and carry the 1 in the thousands over.
Image caption,
Add up all the thousands to find the answer! 4000 + 3000 + 1000 = 8000.
Image caption,
4214 + 3936 = 8150.

When writing down sums, separate the numbers into ones, tens, hundreds and thousands.
List the numbers in a column and always start adding the ones first.
Estimate first and check afterwards - it's a good idea to estimate a rough answer and then check your actual answer.
Order doesn't matter - for example, remember that 345 + 129 is the same as 129 + 345.
Key words - look out for these words in problems: total, sum, altogether, more. They all indicate an addition calculation.