How to
How to make a number line
A number line puts numbers in order along a straight line, evenly spaced. Classes use it for counting and adding, negative numbers, fractions and decimals, and later to show the solutions of an inequality. This generator draws all of those exactly, so a third sits exactly a third of the way between two whole numbers.
- Set the range and the step. Type where the line starts and ends and how far apart the ticks are. Use a preset to start quickly.
- Choose the labels. Every tick, every other tick, whole numbers only, just the ends, or none for a blank line. Numbers can show as fractions or decimals.
- Add points. One per line, with a letter or word as a label, closed or open.
- Shade an inequality or draw jumps. Type x >= -2 to shade the solutions, or 6, 10 to draw a hop from 6 to 10 marked +4.
- Download. PNG or SVG for slides and documents, or Worksheet PDF for a printable page of lines.
Open and closed circles
On a number line a closed circle, filled in, means the number is included; an open circle means it is not. So x >= 2 starts with a closed circle at 2 and x > 2 with an open one. The shading runs toward the numbers that make the inequality true and ends in an arrow when it goes on forever. With two endpoints, like -1 <= x < 3, the shading stops at both.
Adding and subtracting with jumps
Jumps show addition and subtraction as hops along the line: 6, 10 draws an arc from 6 to 10 labeled +4, and 10, 7 hops back with -3. Several lines chain hops one after the other, which is how many classes teach adding in parts, such as 6 + 7 as 6 + 4 + 3 with a stop at 10.
Tip
For a coordinate grid with x and y axes, use the XY graph maker. To stack an X over the line for every value in a data set, use the line plot maker or the dot plot maker, and for printable grids, the graph paper maker.
Questions people ask
Can I graph inequalities on this number line?
Yes. Type an inequality such as x > 2, x <= -1 or -2 <= x < 3 in the Inequality box. The solutions are shaded, with a closed circle where the endpoint is included and an open circle where it is not, and an arrow when they go on forever. Join two parts with or, like x < -1 or x >= 4.
How do I put points on a number line?
Type one point per line in the Points box: the number, then a label if you want one, such as 2 1/2, A. Add the word open for an open circle. Points can be whole numbers, decimals, negative numbers or fractions, and they are placed at their exact position even between ticks.
Can the number line show fractions?
Yes. Set the step to a fraction, such as 1/4 or 1/3, and the ticks are labeled with stacked fractions and mixed numbers like 1 3/4. Values stay exact, so thirds land exactly on their ticks. Choose Decimals under Labels to show the same ticks as 0.25, 0.5 and so on.
How do I make a number line with decimals?
Use a decimal step: 0.1 for tenths, 0.01 for hundredths, or 0.5 for halves. Start at 0 and end at 1 for a tenths line, or zoom into a range like 2.3 to 2.4. Minor ticks can split each step further, for example ten minor ticks between whole numbers without labeling each one.
How do I print blank number lines for practice?
Pick the Blank line preset, or set Labels to None, and choose the range and step. Then use Worksheet PDF: it puts one to eight copies of the line on a Letter or A4 page, with a name and date line, ready to print. Leave Labels on Ends only for lines where students fill in the middle.