How does a Japanese abacus (soroban) work?

Each column represents a place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). The top section has beads worth 5 each, and the bottom section has beads worth 1 each. Move beads toward the divider bar to count them.

How many columns should I use?

Choose 5-7 columns for basic counting, or use all 13 for large numbers. Each column adds a decimal place, so 10 columns lets you count up to 9,999,999,999.

Is this useful for learning math?

Yes. The abacus helps visualize place values and develops mental math skills. It is widely used in schools across Asia for arithmetic training.

Online Abacus

Interactive virtual abacus with clickable beads and live value display

Columns

Current Value

Top beads — each worth 5

Bottom beads — each worth 1

About Online Abacus

This interactive virtual abacus follows the Japanese soroban design — two beads in the upper deck (each worth 5) and five beads in the lower deck (each worth 1). Click any bead to slide it toward or away from the divider bar. The current value updates in real time.

How to Use

Choose the number of columns (5–13) for how large you want to count.
Click a top bead to push it down (adds 5 for that column).
Click a bottom bead to push it up (adds 1 for that column).
The rightmost column represents ones, the next tens, and so on.
Click Reset to clear the abacus back to zero.

Features

Click to Count

Simply click beads to slide them — intuitive and fast

Live Value Display

See the current total update instantly as you move beads

Adjustable Columns

Choose 5 to 13 columns to work with different number sizes

Great for Learning

Visualize place values and develop mental arithmetic skills

FAQ

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Online Abacus

About Online Abacus

How to Use

Features

FAQ

What type of abacus is this?

What is the largest number I can represent?

Can I use this for teaching?

Related Tools

Online Abacus

About Online Abacus

How to Use

Features

FAQ

What type of abacus is this?

What is the largest number I can represent?

Can I use this for teaching?

Related Tools