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Free Abacus Worksheets with Answers (All Levels) | 100 Videos & Bilingual Learning

This article is a comprehensive guide and free resource for my original Soroban (Japanese abacus) and Anzan (Mental Math) practice workbooks (Levels 10–Dan, bilingual in EN/JA). These materials are 100% synchronized with my video series, “The Japanese Abacus YouTube Project: My mission to complete a 100-video curriculum,” which I submitted to the All-Category section of the "Note Creative Grand Prize 2026" on its opening day, April 8th.

I am the creator of the YouTube channel “Abacus Japan Master in 100 Days” and a professional abacus instructor. I personally handled every aspect of the project—from planning and curriculum design to filming, editing, and creating bilingual subtitles—to successfully complete the 100-lesson series.

I designed these workbooks as a "new-era educational product" to ensure that self-taught learners worldwide who follow my videos can progress seamlessly without getting lost. As we reach the final day of the "Note Creative Grand Prize 2026" on July 8th, I am sharing the story behind the development of these materials and the dedication I poured into them, analyzed through the lens of a business perspective.

「Japanese version follows.」(以下、日本語版です)


Introduction: Free Downloadable Soroban & Mental Math Practice Workbooks

Hello everyone,
I’m the creator of the YouTube channel “Abacus Japan Master in 100 Days.”

My mission is simple: to share the immense value of the Japanese abacus with as many people as possible—especially those who cannot attend a physical classroom, those living abroad, or adults looking to boost their mental processing power or rediscover the joy of learning.

Driven by this passion, I produced 100 YouTube videos to guide learners through every step of the process. However, I know that simply watching videos can sometimes give you a false sense of mastery. My goal is to ensure you can actually move your hands, apply what you’ve learned, and solve new problems entirely on your own.

To support this, I have created original Soroban and Mental Math practice workbooks that are perfectly synchronized with my YouTube lessons. In this article, I am sharing the first and second installments of these workbooks as a free PDF download. They are designed for both home study and official certification exam preparation.

These materials comprehensively cover everything from Level 10 to Dan (advanced) for both Soroban and Mental Math, following the standards of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This is just a glimpse of the 20-part exam preparation series I have developed, complete with covers and grading standards.

Simply print them out and bind them, and you’ll have your very own professional-grade workbook, ready to keep you motivated and on track.

An image of the printed and bound book

7 Pillars of My Soroban & Mental Math Workbooks

This project is a challenge to create a "new standard for learning the abacus." By connecting 100 YouTube tutorials with bilingual, A4-printable practice workbooks, I aim to provide a self-study path for anyone, anywhere, regardless of access to a physical classroom.

Here are the seven pillars of my dedication poured into these workbooks:

1. Designed for Success: Self-Solving Capability

To build true competence, the practice problems are different from the ones in the videos. By working on these problems while the techniques and "finger movements" from the video are still fresh in your mind, you can solve new challenges independently and confidently. With the additional practice problems available on my channel, you can experience a total of four unique practice sessions (two in video, two in the workbook) for each level.

2. Seamless Integration: QR Code Accessibility

I have placed QR codes on the cover of each workbook level. With a quick scan, you can instantly access the corresponding learning guide or video tutorial. I’ve eliminated the time wasted searching for the right video, allowing you to find help the moment you get stuck.

3. Home-Friendly Design: A4 Format

While official Soroban certification exams use large paper sizes (like B3) that are difficult to print at home, I have redesigned the layout of every level for perfect A4 printing. This captures the look and feel of a professional exam sheet while ensuring it is convenient to print and bind at home.

4. Global Accessibility: Bilingual (EN/JA) Interface

Every instruction and piece of text is provided in both Japanese and English. While the Japanese abacus is gaining global attention, bilingual resources are rare. My workbooks are built to be accessible to learners all over the world.

5. Authentic Preparation: Official Certification Standards

I have included the exact passing criteria and time limits used in real certification exams. This allows you to experience the focus and thrill of a proctored exam from the comfort of your home.

6. Modern Aesthetic: Simple and Inclusive

I’ve stripped away the overly "childish" designs found in traditional workbooks in favor of a clean, minimalist style. It is designed to fit seamlessly into any modern lifestyle, ensuring that anyone can feel comfortable and confident picking it up to learn at their own pace.

7. Craftsmanship Over Shortcuts: Precision via Spreadsheet Engineering

I initially considered using AI to automate problem generation. However, I soon realized that AI often struggled to capture the nuances, the structural beauty of a page, and the specific requirements of a bilingual format. I chose to abandon "easy" automation. Instead, I meticulously programmed complex spreadsheet functions, embedding my expertise as an instructor into every formula. While I maintain deep respect for the traditional, high-standard materials crafted by my predecessors, I have pushed my personal limits to create a workbook that truly guides self-taught learners toward their next level of mastery.


Why the Abacus for Modern Business Professionals?

In an era defined by extreme efficiency and automation, why am I so committed to the abacus? And why am I determined to deliver this practice to self-taught learners worldwide?

My objective is clear: to cultivate the "ultimate mental core strength" that modern professionals require. In a time when AI provides instant answers, the human brain needs to sharpen its ability to process complex sequences and maintain absolute, unwavering focus.

Solving problems on an abacus or through mental math is not just about crunching numbers; it is a profound cognitive workout:

・High-Speed Right-Brain Processing: By visualizing numbers as physical "beads," you engage the right brain—the center of intuition and creative insight—with explosive intensity.
・Dynamic Meditation (Mindfulness): Working under strict time limits with no room for error requires such intense focus that it acts as a "dynamic meditation." It resets a brain often fragmented by modern multitasking.
・Developing Meta-Cognition: Through constant practice, you naturally cultivate the ability to objectively analyze your own performance—identifying exactly where you went wrong and recognizing your personal patterns of error.

While "reskilling" and "data science" are buzzwords in today's business world, the true foundation for both is the processing speed of your brain. Even the most sophisticated tools are useless if the human "CPU" behind them is sluggish.

This is why I am redefining this practice not just as a tool for children, but as a "Brain Hack" for busy professionals—a way to maximize performance while navigating the pressure of high-stakes decision-making.

By using my 10-minute YouTube tutorials for input and these A4 practice workbooks for output, you create a powerful cycle of growth. This fusion of digital guidance and analog practice is the most refined system for busy professionals to upgrade their cognitive abilities in the shortest possible time.


📥 Free Download: Soroban & Mental Math Practice Workbooks (Grade 10–Dan)

I have included a sample image for each level to give you a clear sense of the difficulty and layout.

To download the complete set—including the cover, grading standards, Practice Sets 1 & 2, and the answer keys—please click the [PDF Download] link in each section below. Please feel free to download and print these materials to suit your learning needs.

  • Format: PDF (A4 size recommended)

    • While A4 is the recommended size for printing, you are free to print them in any size that best fits your viewing environment.

  • Bilingual: Every page includes English subtitles and explanations for global learners!

Important Notes for Use

⚠️ Terms of Use & Important Notes

◼︎ Printing & Usage PolicyPermitted: You are welcome to print and use these materials at home or in your own classroom.
Prohibited: Unauthorized reproduction, reselling, or redistribution of the digital data for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

◼︎ Practice Guidelines
When simulating an official exam, Soroban practice is typically allocated a 30-minute limit (20 minutes for Levels 10–7), while Mental Math (Anzan) is a single 12-minute block. You may choose the order of operations as you wish. Note: For Dan (Advanced) levels, each discipline must be taken sequentially.

◼︎ Combining with Video Tutorials
Please complete the corresponding video lessons for each chapter before starting the practice workbook for both Soroban and Mental Math.
While there are many methods for multiplication, this channel uses a unified approach designed to reach maximum speed and efficiency. We teach "Ryo-otoshi & Mae-gake" (for up to Level 8) and "Ryo-otoshi & Ato-gake" (for Level 7 and above). This consistent methodology allows learners to build the mental framework required for advanced (Dan) levels from the very beginning.

◼︎ For Parents & Guardians
These materials are designed to be used after watching the YouTube video tutorials. Therefore, they are best suited for children who can focus on a 10-minute video. Learners are encouraged to adjust the playback speed, pause, or rewind as needed. This system is ideal for cultivating independent learning habits and focus, as children learn to control the content and progress at their own pace. (We recommend that parents provide support and supervision during the initial stages.)

◼︎ Workbook DetailsBased on Nisshuren Standards: These materials follow the curriculum of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (the most widely used standard in Japan).
Future Releases: The complete collection (Practice Sets 3–20) will be released gradually. Further details will be announced once finalized.
On "Jun" (Pre-) Levels: Currently, we do not produce materials for Pre-3, Pre-2, or Pre-1, as their content is very similar to the main levels. We may consider adding them based on demand.

◼︎ Feedback & Corrections As these materials are produced and quality-checked by an individual, I have taken the utmost care. However, should you find any typos or errors, please kindly report them via the Question Box below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grades 9–10 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grades 9 & 10 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grades 9 & 10 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 8 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 8 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 8 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 7 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 7 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 7 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 6 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 6 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 6 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 5 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 5 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 5 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 4 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 4 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 4 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 3 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 3 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 3 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 2 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 2 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 2 Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 1 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Grade 1 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 1 & Dan Level Tutorial Videos


Soroban Practice & Exam Prep: Dan Level (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Soroban Dan Level Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Grade 1 & Dan Level Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grades 7–10 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grades 7-10 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 6 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 6 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 5 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 5 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 4 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 4 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 3 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 3 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 2 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 2 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Grade 1 (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anazan Grade 1 Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Anzan Practice & Exam Prep: Dan Level (Free PDF Download)

Sample: Anzan Dan Level Practice Sheets

👉YouTube Playlist: All Anzan Grades Tutorial Videos


Conclusion: Making Soroban a Global Language

In this digital age, the value of the "Japanese Soroban"—using one's fingertips to sharpen mental calculation and information processing skills—is more relevant than ever. My mission is to share this value with the world.

Driven by this passion, I have single-handedly produced everything from the initial planning to the creation of 100 video lessons and these practice workbooks. Yet, this is not the finish line. It is merely the first step toward building a "new ecosystem for Soroban learning."

Moving forward, I am developing the following initiatives:

  • Multilingual Textbooks: Combining video and print to create the world’s first multilingual self-study textbooks.

  • Multilingual Apps: Developing "Flash Anzan" and "Yomiage-zan" apps for international learners and professionals.

People often struggle not because of a lack of ability, but because the learning sequence or explanation steps are not optimized. My 100-day curriculum is designed as a product where anyone, anywhere, will never feel lost.

On the final day of the Creative Grand Prize 2026, I make this declaration of my ambition, hoping these resources reach even more people eager to learn.

If you found this article or these materials valuable, please consider supporting me with a "Like" or a share. Your encouragement means the world to me.

Thank you so much for reading.


Soroban Basics Workbook Complete Foundation Guide

Download our Soroban basics practice workbook here.

English Version

Japanese Version

👉YouTube Playlist: Soroban Basics for Beginners Tutorial Videos


Summary by Grade

Here is the list of our Note magazines.
I’ve summarized the YouTube lessons using text and images.
Please use them for your review and to check your progress.


Copyright Notice

All practice sheets in this article are copyrighted by the Abacus Japan Master in 100 Days channel. You are free to use them for personal study or classroom printing. Please note that unauthorized reproduction or commercial resale is strictly prohibited.

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