Types of Abacus: Which Is the Best Type for Kids?

Keywords: Types of Abacus for Kids, Best Abacus for Children, Soroban and Chinese Abacus, Abacus Learning for Beginners, Kids Math Abacus, Abacus Benefits for Children, Abacus for Early Learning, Right Age for Abacus

The abacus has been a fundamental tool in mathematical computation for centuries. For thousands of years, this cost-effective yet effective tool has helped civilisations enhance their mathematical skills and thinking capabilities. The abacus, an ancient calculating device, remains a powerful tool for developing math skills, concentration, and cognitive abilities. Despite the emergence of modern technology, such as advanced calculators and computers, the abacus is still pertinent to learning and cognitive enhancement.

Understanding the different types of abacus tools available today can help in choosing the right one for different learning intentions. From the earliest forms to the ones in use today, each abacus has a specific shape and benefit. But with several types of abaci available globally, choosing the right one can be confusing. In this blog, we will cover the different types of abacuses, their uses, how they help with learning and math proficiency, and which is the best type for kids.

What is an Abacus?

An abacus is a manual calculating device used since ancient times. It is a rectangular frame with rows of beads or stones that slide along rods or wires. The Abacus is designed to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations.

The abacus, a counting frame, is a primitive yet innovative tool used for arithmetic calculations. Its origin can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, China, and Greece. An abacus typically comprises a wooden or metal frame with rows of beads or stones that slide along rods or wires. The position of the beads denotes their value, and this arrangement aids in performing simple to complex arithmetic operations. The Abacus is an incredibly versatile tool that can help children learn math concepts, improve mental calculation skills, and develop logical thinking abilities. Moreover, it has been an essential tool for traders, accountants, and merchants.

Types of Abacuses around the world

The Abacus may seem like a primitive tool compared to today's modern math calculators and computers. Still, its simplicity and functionality have made it a valuable asset in mathematical education for centuries. Using the Abacus helped early civilisations advance in trade, architecture, and engineering. Today, the Abacus is still widely used in some parts of the world, especially in Asia, to teach children how to perform mathematical calculations. Some experts believe learning to use an abacus can help children develop better mental math skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Whether you're interested in the history of mathematics or want to improve your mathematical abilities, understanding the Abacus and its role in mathematical education is an essential step.

Check out the types of abacuses that cater to diverse mathematical needs and learning styles. Below are the different types of abacuses found around the world.

1. Ancient Abacus

The ancient abacus is one of the oldest math tools people have ever used. Long before calculators and computers, people used this wooden or bamboo frame to count numbers and do basic calculations. It has rods with beads on them, and you move the beads back and forth to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

It was very easy to use, so children, traders, and shopkeepers all used it for quick and accurate calculations. The ancient abacus helped people improve their speed in math and made tricky calculations much simpler. Even today, many countries still use the abacus to develop children's brainpower and strengthen their math skills.

2. Chinese Abacus (Suanpan)

A version of the abacus, called the suanpan, appeared in China. On each rod, this abacus had 2 beads on the upper deck and 5 on the lower deck.

The suanpan style of abacus is also referred to as a 2/5 abacus. The 2/5 style survived unchanged until about 1850, at which time the 1/5 (one bead on the top deck and five beads on the bottom deck) abacus appeared.

The Suan Pan is the oldest form of abacus still in use; numbers are set by moving beads up and down to touch the horizontal crossbar. There are nine thin rods carried by a rectangular frame, which is divided into two unequal parts by a crossbar separating the beads into two groups. On each rod, there are five beads in the lower and larger department and two beads in the smaller compartment. Taking any particular rod as the unit rod, the rods to the left represent tens, hundreds, and so on; those to the right represent tenths, hundredths, and so on.

Main Uses of the Chinese Abacus (Suanpan)

Used for basic calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Helps in solving large numbers and decimal calculations easily.
Used by shopkeepers for quick money calculations.
Builds mental math skills, concentration, and memory.
Still used in schools for training students in fast and accurate math.

3. Japanese Abacus (Soroban)

The Soroban was introduced to Japan in the 14th century. Its 1:4 structure consists of one bead on the upper deck and four beads on the lower deck. Today, it is similarly taught in all Japanese schools. The Soroban, or Japanese abacus, is an ideal educational tool for children aged 6 and above. With this didactic toy, children will learn to count faster and more easily while playfully tackling their first mathematical tasks. The Soroban is suitable for placement on a desk or shelf, always keeping it accessible for the kids.

It is a universal educational tool and calculator for both children and adults. The dimensions of the Soroban are 13 positions: 20 x 6.3 x 1.5 cm (7.9 x 2.4 x 0.5 inches)

Usage:

A great tool for teaching mathematics.
Suitable as a classic office calculator, an educational tool for teachers, or as a collector's gift.

Benefits:

Facilitates the teaching of mathematics and enhances counting ability.
Recommended for children to improve their mathematical skills and develop intelligence.
A perfect gift for children or students of mathematics courses. The Soroban is ideal for quick and accurate calculations.

4. Russian Abacus (Schoty)

The Russian abacus (the schoty [счёты]) is a unique Russian counting device that has no comparable counterparts anywhere in the world. It was developed when a decimal system was introduced in Russia in the sixteenth century. The Russian abacus took its familiar form in the eighteenth century, and it is still used for arithmetic calculations and for teaching maths at school, as an example of decimal calculations. The widespread use of the Russian abacus in business activities made it an integral part of entrepreneurship and accounting. The Russian abacus became more associated with Russian merchants and accountants than with ledgers, and it was depicted in works of fine art.

The Russian Schoty is different in structure. It usually has only one deck, and beads are moved horizontally rather than vertically. It’s used for basic arithmetic and is commonly seen in shops and markets in parts of Eastern Europe.

Usage:

Primarily utilised in Russian schools and businesses in border nations.
Best suited for elementary arithmetic and accounting.
Lessens mental computation as well as quick calculations.

5. Roman Abacus:

The Roman Empire was known for its advancements in engineering, architecture, and military tactics, but it also made significant contributions to the world of mathematics.

A typical Roman abacus consisted of a rectangular frame made of wood or metal with horizontal grooves or wires. The wires were arranged in pairs, and each pair represented a different place value, such as units, tens, hundreds, and so on. The wires in each pair were separated by a distance that represented the value of the digit they represented, such as one unit or five units. Beads or stones were placed on the wires to represent numbers. The Roman abacus also had a horizontal divider that separated the frame into two sections. The section above the divider represented positive numbers, while the section below the divider represented negative numbers. This feature made it possible to perform both addition and subtraction on the abacus.

The Roman abacus was used by children to learn and practice mathematics. The Roman abacus was also an important educational tool. Students learned how to use the abacus to perform calculations and solve problems, and it was an essential part of the Roman educational system. The abacus was also used by teachers to demonstrate mathematical concepts and principles.

6. Binary Abacus

In recent times, it has been witnessed that the use of the Abacus is not just limited to performing arithmetic operations. It is also used to explain how Computers would manipulate numbers. A binary Abacus is used to perform one such function. It teaches us the conversion of decimals into binary. A series of beads is placed in three separate rows, where each bead is associated with counters as ‘on’ and ‘off’ or ‘1’ and ‘0’.

Uses:

Used to explain digital computing and conversion to binary.
Used in computer science education to explain logical operations.
Ideal to use to illustrate how modern computing systems work.

7. Cranmer Abacus

This Abacus was made by Tim Cranmer. The Cranmer Abacus is a special type of abacus designed for blind and visually impaired students. It looks similar to a normal abacus but is made in a way that users can feel and move the beads without losing their place. The learners can manipulate the beads, which would in effect help them in the in-depth understanding of the numbers.

Main Uses of the Cranmer Abacus:

Used to help blind students learn and do math independently.
Allows users to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by touch.
Helps in learning place value and understanding numbers through bead movement.
Builds confidence by allowing students to calculate without needing sight.
Used in special education to improve fine motor skills and memory.

8. Digital Abacus

The Digital Abacus is a software tool that allows students to create and manipulate interactive diagrams to represent mathematical concepts. The tool includes a variety of primitive operators, such as addition, multiplication, and exponentiation, as well as composite operations, such as logarithms and trigonometric functions. A digital abacus is a modern version of the traditional abacus, but it runs on a screen or mobile device instead of using wooden beads. It works just like a real abacus, but the beads move digitally with a tap or slide.

Main Features:

Beads move on a touchscreen instead of physical rods.
Shows instant results and helps beginners learn faster.
Often includes games, lessons, and practice exercises for kids.
Can be used anywhere—on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Helps children and beginners understand abacus concepts in a fun, interactive way.

Here are some of the benefits of the Digital Abacus Project:

It provides students with a more concrete and visual way to learn abstract mathematical concepts.
It can help students to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.
It can make mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for all students.

Best Type of Abacus for Learning

As there are various types of abacuses, the most appropriate type of abacus to use depends on the needs and goals of the learner:

Age & Skill Level:

For kids aged 5–12, the Soroban is ideal. The Soroban Abacus is the best due to its simple structure and ease of use.

Advanced students:

The Suanpan Abacus is best for performing intricate mathematical computations. Adults may prefer the Suanpan for advanced techniques.

Ease of Use:

Beginners benefit from fewer beads (Soroban), while professionals might explore Suanpan.

Cultural Relevance:

Align your choice with regional teaching methods (e.g., Soroban is popular in Pakistan and Japan).

Visually impaired:

The Cranmer Abacus is best for achieving utmost accessibility and learning.

For computer science students:

The Binary Abacus is a great way to learn digital logic and binary arithmetic.

All of these abacuses are useful in their own right, and they are great tools for brain-building and learning.

Which type of abacus is best, in my opinion?

In my opinion, the Soroban abacus is one of the most widely used types of abacus. Originating from Japan, this abacus has one bead above the horizontal bar and four beads below in each column. The Soroban is popular due to its compact size and easy-to-use design.

The Japanese Soroban abacus is best for kids.

Why Soroban is the best:

Very easy to learn
Only 1 bead on top and 4 beads below each rod—a simple and clean design
Helps kids develop strong mental math skills
Perfect for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Used worldwide in abacus academies for children

Importance of the Abacus in School

The abacus and its types play an important role in school because they help children build strong number sense and mental math skills from an early age. When students use an abacus, they learn to visualise numbers, understand place value, and perform calculations quickly without relying on calculators. This builds confidence, sharpens concentration, and improves memory. Abacus training also develops both sides of the brain, which supports better problem-solving and overall academic performance. For many children, especially visual and hands-on learners, the abacus makes math fun, engaging, and much easier to understand. That is why introducing the abacus and its types in school can create a solid foundation for lifelong mathematical learning.

Abacus for Kids

Discovering the Abacus early brings big benefits for kids. It makes math fun and exciting, turning a tricky subject into a fun challenge.

Using an Abacus at 6 or 7 years old, kids can quickly add numbers like 23 + 17 by sliding beads. This builds a strong math foundation, boosts skills, and helps kids feel confident about learning. It sets them up for success in school and beyond. Plus, it’s a perfect way for young learners to explore the world of numbers and excel!

Conclusion

Embracing the abacus isn’t just about math—it’s a gateway to unlocking endless learning possibilities. From its versatile types to its timeless applications, the Abacus enriches young minds beyond basic calculations.

Introducing kids to the Abacus sparks a journey of discovery and skill-building. It enhances math proficiency and boosts cognitive development. Let’s empower our children with the tools they need to thrive in today’s world and beyond!