Bar Model — 2 + 2 = 4 — free printable diagram

What is 2 + 2?

This part-whole bar model shows 2 and 2 as the two parts of one whole. Adding the parts gives the whole, so 2 + 2 = 4.

First part

2

Second part

2

Whole

4

Addition

2 + 2 = 4

Subtraction

4 − 2 = 2

• A part-whole bar model shows the whole on one bar and the parts that make it on the bar underneath. Here the two parts are 2 and 2, and together they fill the whole bar of 4.
• Both parts are the same size, so this is a doubling fact: double 2 is 4.
• Reading it backwards gives the matching halving fact: 4 split into two equal parts is 2 each, so 4 ÷ 2 = 2.
• That is the fact family for these three numbers — the model is the reason 2, 2 and 4 belong together, whichever way round you write them.