When should a child start soroban?
The right age, and the “too early / too late” question

From what age can a child start?

Most soroban classes accept children from around the final year of kindergarten (age 5–6). This is the age when the three things needed for learning soroban usually come together: the child can read numbers, can count from 1 to 10, and can listen to the teacher for about 10 minutes.

But more important than “what age” is “how your child is doing.” Even in the final year of kindergarten, a child who has no interest in numbers and finds it hard to sit still may not be ready yet. On the other hand, many children start in Grade 3 and make rapid progress. Starting early does not guarantee that a child will become good at soroban.

How to start at each age

Final year of kindergarten (age 5–6): making friends with numbers

At this age, the goal is not fast calculation. Children learn how numbers work with their whole body, moving the beads: “5 is made of what and what?” “Which friend makes 10?” We start with easy addition without carrying, and use maze- and puzzle-like materials so children keep going without getting bored. Collecting lots of “I did it!” moments and coming to love numbers is the most important goal at this stage.

Grades 1–3: the most common time to start

This is when number work begins at school, and some children start to stumble over carrying and borrowing. Soroban lets children picture numbers as “quantities,” which helps with school math. On a 23-rod soroban they move from addition and subtraction to multiplication and division, and begin to take on the grade exams (kyu).

Grades 4–6: not too late; in fact, they grow fast

We are often asked, “Isn’t it too late in the upper grades?” In fact, older children understand quickly, and it is not unusual for them to catch up with children who started earlier within one or two years. Beyond calculation speed, the habit of concentrating on a task becomes a foundation for junior high school study.

Junior high: aiming for 3rd kyu alongside club activities

Some children start in junior high school. The goal is 3rd kyu or higher, which can be written on a résumé. The habit of concentrating for a short time also helps with term tests and entrance exams. See Continuing in Junior High for details.

The benefits of starting early, and what to watch out for

There are three benefits. ① A feel for numbers as “quantities” (number sense) develops before school math begins. ② The habit of “sitting down and working in the same place every week” is in place before elementary school. ③ There is a longer period for collecting small passes, so confidence grows.

There are also things to watch out for. Young children can concentrate only for a short time, so instead of moving beads for the full 60 minutes, the teacher watches each child and adds breaks and games. Also, the soroban method is different from the written arithmetic taught at school, so the teacher reminds children as they go that “the school way is correct too.” Pushing a child ahead too hard can make them dislike soroban, so please keep an eye at home on whether your child is enjoying it.

Signs your child is ready, and signs it is still too early

If you are unsure, the teacher will observe your child in a free trial lesson (about 20 minutes). Sometimes we will say, “Let’s wait a little and see.” At home, making time to touch numbers — counting in the bath, sharing out snacks, playing with a 100-bead abacus — brings the right time closer.

What to prepare before starting, and the costs

All your child needs to bring is writing supplies and a soroban (we recommend 23 rods). The 10-bead soroban for the final kindergarten year is provided by the classroom.

For the benefits and downsides of soroban and typical tuition, see The Benefits of Soroban (and the Downsides, Honestly).

Frequently asked questions

About the author

Taito MoritaFounder & principal of Kodomo School (Morita Group Co., Ltd.)

He carries on the Morita Juku founded in Toyohashi in 1972. Through soroban, calligraphy and art at about 90 classrooms in Aichi and Shizuoka and at our Hanoi school in Vietnam, he helps children build the strength to believe in themselves. He also gives talks and seminars on education.

Message from our founderTalks & seminarsUpdated: October 8, 2026