Negative number line (-20 to 20)

Master negative numbers with our comprehensive -20 to 20 number line resource - the perfect teaching aid for introducing integers and helping upper KS2 pupils understand positive and negative number relationships.

What's included

• Clear number line displaying numbers from -20 to 20 with consistent spacing
• Both numbered and blank versions for flexible teaching approaches
• Available in full colour and printer-friendly black and white formats

Download the free PDF A4 version, or access the editable A4 and A3 versions with a primary subscription.

What is a negative number line?

A negative number line extends the familiar number line to include numbers less than zero. It shows both positive and negative integers in sequence, with zero as the central point. This visual representation helps children understand that negative numbers continue infinitely to the left of zero, just as positive numbers continue to the right.

What are the rules for negative numbers?

When working with negative numbers, children need to understand several key concepts:

• Numbers to the left of zero are negative and get smaller as they move further left
• The negative sign (-) indicates a number is less than zero
• When comparing negative numbers, the number further to the left is smaller (e.g., -5 is less than -3)
• When adding and subtracting with negative numbers, movement right indicates addition, left indicates subtraction

How to use negative number lines in the classroom

Here are practical ways to use this negative number line resource in your classroom:

• Create a giant classroom thermometer - perfect for teaching temperature changes between positive and negative degrees Celsius
• Set up a 'Bank Balance' activity where pupils track accounts going into overdraft using red and black numbers
• Use mini whiteboards with blank number lines to practise quick-fire ordering of integers between -20 and 20

For differentiation, provide scaffolded versions showing key integers (-20, -15, -10, etc.) or remove numbers entirely for more challenging work. The resource works brilliantly for both guided group work and independent practice.

Looking for more like this?

Enhance your teaching of negative numbers with these related resources:

• Challenge pupils with our engaging Penguin Game for negative numbers
• Practice ordering with our negative numbers ordering activity
• Explore our directed numbers resource
• Try our number line to 20 and number line to 10 for younger learners

Browse our complete collection of counting and number line resources for more teaching ideas.