Free Color by Number Printables

One picture, three levels

Every picture in this set comes in three versions. The lines are the same; only the marks change. Easy sheets (PreK, ages 3-5) put a plain number in each space, from 1 up to 5, with a few colors and big spaces. Medium sheets (kindergarten) put an addition sum in each space, with answers up to 10. Hard sheets use subtraction within 20 (Grades 1-2) or multiplication facts from the 2 to 10 times tables (Grades 2-3).

That makes the set easy to use with mixed ages: siblings or a whole class can color the same lion or rocket, each at their own level, and compare pictures at the end. It also gives a child a clear next step: once the Easy dinosaur is simple, the Medium dinosaur is the same picture with a new challenge.

How to do a color by number

Read the color key at the bottom together first. Each circle shows a number, its color and the color's name (so the key still works in black and white). Lay out just those crayons.

Then work one number at a time: find every space with a 1 and color it, then every 2, and so on. On Medium and Hard sheets, solve the sum or fact first, then look up the answer in the key. Some children like to write the answer small inside each space before they color; that turns the sheet into a full maths worksheet.

Small parts with no mark (eyes, cheeks, a cloud) are free choice; the sheet says so at the top. When the picture is done, check it against the answer key on page 2 of the PDF.

Which level should I choose?

• Easy: your child can recognise numbers 1 to 5 and hold a crayon. Good for ages 3-5.
• Medium: your child can add small numbers with fingers or counters. Good for kindergarten (5-6).
• Hard, subtraction: your child is learning take-away facts within 20. Good for Grades 1-2.
• Hard, multiplication: your child is learning the times tables. Good for Grades 2-3.

Not sure? Start one level lower. A sheet that feels easy builds confidence, and the next level uses the same picture, so it never feels like a jump.

Making a sheet easier or harder

Easier: color one space of each number as an example, give counters or a number line for the sums, or let your child use markers for faster coverage. You can also cover half the page and do it over two sittings.

Harder: ask for every answer to be written inside its space first, cover the color names in the key, or time the sheet and try to beat it next time. For multiplication, ask your child to say the matching division fact too (3x4=12, so 12÷4=3).

Printing tips

Sheets are drawn at 300 dpi for US Letter (8.5 x 11 in). Print at 100% ("Actual size"). On A4 paper, use the A4 PDF: pages are already sized to fit. Black-and-white printing works for every sheet. Teachers: print the answer keys once in color, and the sheets in black and white. You can also download just one level (Easy, Medium or Hard) to save paper.

Questions