Soroban Learning System

Learn to use the traditional Japanese abacus. Move beads toward the bar to count!

0
Thousands
0
= 0
Hundreds
0
= 0
Tens
0
= 0
Ones
0
= 0
How the Soroban Works

The soroban is a traditional Japanese abacus with two decks separated by a horizontal bar:

Heaven Bead (Upper Deck)

1 bead worth 5 when moved down to the bar

Earth Beads (Lower Deck)

4 beads worth 1 each when moved up to the bar

Reading Numbers

  • 0 = No beads at the bar
  • 1-4 = Only earth beads at bar
  • 5 = Only heaven bead at bar
  • 6-9 = Heaven + earth beads

Example: 7 = heaven bead (5) + 2 earth beads (2) = 5 + 2

Tip: Only beads touching the center bar are counted. Click to move beads toward or away from the bar.