# Cotter AL Abacus > Visual abacus for learning arithmetic concepts and developing mental math strategies. (iPhone/iPad app by Activities for Learning inc..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cotter-al-abacus/id406078581 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Activities for Learning inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/406078584) - Category: Education, Utilities - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 3.50/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 17 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 76 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2010-12-15 - Data updated: 2026-08-20 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cotter-al-abacus/id406078581/reviews.md ## What is Cotter AL Abacus? Cotter AL Abacus, used with the RightStart™ Mathematics program, now available on your iPhone and iPad! This abacus will teach, not calculate like the Japanese and Chinese abacus, while using subitizing (quantity recognition) and visual strategies to support learning and understanding. Perfect for visual learners! This unique double-sided abacus is grouped in fives and tens for quick recognition of quantities. The second side of the abacus focuses on trading to the thousands. Learn the facts easily by: * visualizing quantities, * minimizing counting, and * developing mental strategies. Those learning arithmetic with the Cotter AL Abacus have a better understanding of basic concepts and need less time to master arithmetic. Although children do enjoy using the abacus, it does not become a crutch. Stan, age 5, was asked how much is 11 plus 6. He replied, “17!” When he was asked how he knew, he replied with a grin, “I’ve got the abacus in my mind.” App has links to sample addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division lessons as well as detailed use information. ## Key features - Double-sided abacus design - Grouped in fives and tens - Focuses on quantity recognition - Develops mental math strategies - Supports visual learning - Includes sample lessons ## Recent user reviews (10 of 17) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cotter-al-abacus/id406078581/reviews.md ### 2/5 — Just ok *2024-11-14* You can’t move the beads to alternate spacing to show adding as demonstrated in the right start math book. The beads only go to the far left and far right. We were trying to use the app to get us through lessons while we search for our missing abacus, but this is not a great substitute. ### 5/5 — So far, so good! *2021-08-13* I downloaded this app so that two of my children could do their Right Start math lessons at the same time and so far it has worked perfectly. I have a new iPad and the app works beautifully with no delays or issues. ### 1/5 — Horrible app *2017-09-22* I wouldn't complain if it was free. But I spent $2 on it and I'm going to have to just buy a physical abacus. I thought the app would get us through the rest of the week until I could search for the lost abacus this weekend. This is terrible, it takes for! Ever! For it to recognize your finger, so doing a whole math lesson takes impossibly long. We spent two days doing a lesson that should have taken half a lesson time. So much wasted time. I should have just pulled out some counting beans or Legos or something instead. ### 1/5 — Beads doesn't move accurately at all *2014-09-19, version 1.4* An exercise in frustration ### 5/5 — Great extra abacus for Rightstart Math! *2014-09-07* I love that we have the convenience of an extra abacus on our iPad for home and on the go! Thanks! ### 2/5 — Could be great, but... *2014-04-28* It won't respond to inputting data. When we try to enter anything, it freezes, then it may or may not move the beads 2-3 minutes later. I can't teach the program like this. ### 5/5 — Love it *2014-01-31* I really like the use of an abacus for math work! This is a great app for simple to more difficult math problems. My 1st and 4th graders both use it. ### 2/5 — Needs improvements *2013-12-04, version 1.1* Disappointed, abacus is only partially visible since updating the software. And there is no additional features like reading numbers out loud or at least showing it in the corner. ### 3/5 — Great App But Needs An Update *2013-11-01* This app is great; however, with the release of io7, one side of the abacus doesn't work correctly. This is understandable, but enough time has passed for them to fix problems. The owners probably didn't create the app, but this should have been resolved already. Otherwise the curriculum is perfect. While we're waiting on the fix, I use the Number Rack app. It would be nice to go back to using one app instead of two, though. ### 1/5 — Worked great before but now it's not *2013-10-16* We have the Righstart Mathematics curriculum and have used this app in the past on iPhones and iPod touches with no problems. I recently bought a new iPad and tried using it but half the abacus is not visible in landscape mode. I then tried on my iPhone and it has the same problem on there. Please fix this as it was working perfectly before. ## Frequently asked questions about Cotter AL Abacus ### What is the learning methodology of Cotter AL Abacus? Cotter AL Abacus teaches arithmetic by focusing on visualizing quantities, minimizing counting, and developing mental strategies. It groups beads in fives and tens for quick recognition and aids in understanding trading to the thousands. ### How does Cotter AL Abacus track progress? The app provides links to sample lessons for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, along with detailed usage information. While it doesn't have a formal progress tracking system, users can gauge improvement through mastering arithmetic facts. ### Does Cotter AL Abacus offer certifications? Cotter AL Abacus is designed as a learning tool to build understanding and mastery of arithmetic. It does not offer formal certifications upon completion of its lessons or exercises. ### What are the pricing details for Cotter AL Abacus? Cotter AL Abacus is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $1.99. There are no additional in-app purchases or subscription fees required to access its features. ### Is Cotter AL Abacus safe for young children? Yes, Cotter AL Abacus has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children. It is designed to be an educational tool that supports learning basic math concepts. ### How often is Cotter AL Abacus updated? The latest version of Cotter AL Abacus is 1.93, last updated on December 22, 2025. Updates typically focus on improving functionality and ensuring compatibility with newer devices and operating systems. ### What devices are supported by Cotter AL Abacus? Cotter AL Abacus is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. This broad compatibility ensures that a wide range of Apple users can access the educational tool. ### Does Cotter AL Abacus have ads? No, Cotter AL Abacus does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an uninterrupted learning experience without any ad interruptions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.93 — 2025-12-22 Upgrade and performance improvements. ### 1.92 — 2025-08-25 Added new screenshots. ### 1.91 — 2025-06-14 Updated graphics on the Apple Store. ### 1.9 — 2024-05-16 Upgrade and performance improvements ### 1.8 — 2020-07-13 Upgrade and performance improvements ## Apps similar to Cotter AL Abacus | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Letter Tiles for Learning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-tiles-for-learning/id1314838376) | 3.3 (88) | $19.99 | Education | | [Letter Sounds A to Z](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-sounds-a-to-z/id848347997) | 4.2 (132) | Free | Education | | [Homeschool Planet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homeschool-planet/id6639586865) | 5.0 (7) | Free | Education | | [Homeschool Panda](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/homeschool-panda/id1470263093) | 3.3 (32) | Free | Education | | [Memoria Press](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/memoria-press/id6453163961) | 4.2 (12) | Free | Education | | [Play 'n Talk Reading /Spelling](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-n-talk-reading-spelling/id6471081713) | 5.0 (19) | Free | Education | ## More apps by Activities for Learning inc. - [Go To Ten](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-to-ten/id1191700759) - [Fraction War](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fraction-war/id1247091437) - [Super Corners™](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-corners/id1371439108) - [RightStart eBook Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rightstart-ebook-reader/id6502687264) - [Multiplication Ring](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/multiplication-ring/id6590630320) All apps by Activities for Learning inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/406078584 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*