# Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks

> Virtual base ten blocks for learning place value and arithmetic. (iPhone/iPad app by Ventura Educational Systems.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-math-base-ten-blocks/id477991440 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ventura Educational Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/371324172)
- Category: Education, Games
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.2 · 7 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2011-11-18
- Data updated: 2026-06-02
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-math-base-ten-blocks/id477991440/reviews.md

## What is Hands?

Hands-On Math: Base Ten Blocks is a virtual math manipulative playground where students explore and discover place value concepts and also learn addition and subtraction with regrouping.  Our Base Ten Blocks allow students to experience and develop math concepts through interaction and discovery.

When first learning place value, blocks can be set to represent ones, tens and hundreds.  Later, to introduce decimals, blocks can be set to ones, tenths and hundredths.

Topics:

Whole Numbers
Reading and Writing Numbers
Decimals
Addition and Subtraction
Regrouping

A comprehensive instructor's guide is available at the app URL given below.

Note to Reviewers:  Use Settings options to control Sound and Decimal settings.  iPad sound must be turned on in Settings and also the switch on the side of iPad must also be in ON position for the sound to work.

## Key features

- Virtual base ten blocks
- Place value exploration
- Addition and subtraction with regrouping
- Whole number concepts
- Decimal concepts
- Interactive learning

## Recent user reviews (10 of 10)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-math-base-ten-blocks/id477991440/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Sound?

*2014-01-26*

I purchased 3 apps from this site but there is no sound. What can I do to access the sounds? I already adjusted it on the information menu but still no sound.

**Developer response:** Turn on the sound by sliding the button on the side of the iPad.

### 3/5 — Limitations

*2013-12-09, version 1.7*

Disappointed that this only goes to 998!

### 2/5 — No support for decimals

*2012-07-19*

I've tried and tried again to change the settings so that this app will display decimals (blue for tenths, green for hundredths) and it does not change. When picking "Flats, Longs & Units" in the "Column Headings" setting, the "Decimal Places" setting disappears, instead of greying out. It took me forever to find this setting because it was gone when I had "Flats Longs & Units" selected. It wasn't until I decided to randomly select a different column heading that I saw the setting for decimal places (which, by the way, is useless since it does not work). Also, the settings for "Column Headings" and "Decimal Places" should not be sliders; they should be drop-down lists.

**Developer response:** The update fixes this problem.

### 2/5 — No Hundredths

*2012-06-29*

This is a great app EXCEPT the option to have two decimals does not work.  I can get tenths but no hundredths

**Developer response:** Try the update.  This problem has been fixed.

### 5/5 — Great app for teaching

*2012-03-09*

I hesitated buying this app for my classroom because of the negative reviews given about previous versions, but I really like it and it is easy to use.  My students are able to move the blocks  around the screen without getting confused about where they are in the chart.  I like the fact that they have to tell it to regroup when adding and it doesn't do it automatically which allows them to better see what they are doing and they don't get confused and stop counting. Over all it is a good app I am glad I got it.

### 4/5 — Excellent App

*2012-01-31, version 1.3*

This app is a wonderful resource for teaching place value. My only complaint is that it only goes up to hundreds. Please expand it to include larger numbers!

### 4/5 — A very handy little app.

*2011-12-17*

A competitor (German) offers the same app with the ability to add/subtract. I'd like to see that feature added here. Overall, a handy app that does what it says it does. Nice!

### 1/5 — Save your money!!

*2011-12-10*

I recently purchased this app in hopes that I could help my siblings understand math better. I purchased this app in hopes that it would fit those needs, but I was extremely disappointed. It may only have cost me 2 dollars but I could have put those 2 dollars towards an app better than this and put it to better use. FURTHERMORE, I tried switching it to decimals and the app crashed and would not function properly in the decimal setting. My rating would be a zero, but sadly Apple won't let me rate less than zero. Please look for better apps out there before you waste your time and money with this one. Thanks.

**Developer response:** The update fixes this problem.

### 3/5 — No decimals??

*2011-12-08*

Why is there no option on this app for decimals?  Base ten blocks are such an effective tool for conceptualizing tenths and hundredths!  I found a pdf file online, from the creator, that said this app had the option for decimals but when I downloaded the app the option was not available! Please bring decimals back.

**Developer response:** Tap the settings icon to switch to decimal mode.

### 3/5 — Good for place value. . . maybe

*2011-11-21*

My daughter is ready to learn to carry, so I want to reinforce place value first.  So far with this app, the blocks are fine, but too much of the work is done for you.  When the blocks are placed in the columns, the math problem at the bottom (in the blue boxes) counts them up.  It even assumes that the carrying has been applied, even if the 'ones' column has more than 9 cubes.  She might get the idea of carrying with this app, as well as borrowing, but we will see how well it converts to actual practice.  Also, when the hundred column reaches "10", it does not create a 'thousands' column, which does little to reinforce the idea that each column can only have 0-9.  (As I was writing she just showed me that the addition problem at the bottom didn't match the cubes at the top because they did the carrying before she did.  She is a bit confused.) I will re-review when she has had a chance to use it for a while.  I don't write many reviews, but I tried this app without any input, so I thought I'd put a little something in for the next person.

**Developer response:** Use the regrouping buttons to regroup blocks from one column to the other.

## Frequently asked questions about Hands

### What age is Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks appropriate for?

Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks is rated for ages 4 and up. This makes it suitable for early elementary school students and those needing foundational math support.

### How does Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks help with learning?

The app uses virtual base ten blocks to allow students to explore concepts like place value, addition, and subtraction with regrouping through interactive discovery. This hands-on approach aids in conceptual understanding.

### Can Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks be used for decimals?

Yes, the app can be configured to represent ones, tenths, and hundredths, allowing students to explore decimal concepts alongside whole numbers.

### Is Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks available on multiple devices?

Currently, Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks is supported on iPads. Users should ensure their device meets the compatibility requirements.

### How often is Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks updated?

The app was last updated on April 1, 2026, with version 6.0. This indicates a commitment to maintaining and improving the application.

### Does Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks have ads?

No, Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks does not contain advertisements. It offers an uninterrupted learning experience.

### What is the price of Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks?

Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks is a paid application, priced at $2.99. This one-time purchase grants access to all its features.

### Where can I find an instructor's guide for Hands-On Math Base Ten Blocks?

A comprehensive instructor's guide is available at the app's URL, which can typically be found on the app store listing or within the app itself.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.0 — 2026-04-01

This version provides an update to recommended settings

### 3.1 — 2022-04-23

This version provides an update to Apple's current recommended settings for compatibility with current iPads.

### 3.0 — 2021-03-22

This new version includes direct access to a helpful teacher's guide. It also includes speech synthesis. In producing this version we added several new features:  The numbers represented by the blocks are written out in words and also pronounced using the speech synthesizer.  This new version now includes representations of whole numbers and decimals. Addition and subtraction problems are automatically generated. As correct answers are given stars appear. The goal is to earn 10 stars to earn a trophy.

### 2.2 — 2017-01-31

Minor bug fix that prevented numbers for reaching 999.

### 2.1 — 2016-01-29

This update provides support for iPad Pro and the current iOS.

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## More apps by Ventura Educational Systems

- [Alphabet Animals](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alphabet-animals/id371324169)
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- [Fractions: The Whole Story](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fractions-the-whole-story/id393882237)
- [Plexers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plexers/id411518808)

All apps by Ventura Educational Systems: https://appshunter.io/developer/371324172

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*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 2026-06-02.*