How to explain reading coordinates from grids in coordinates reading to your child: Example question for 11+
27 October 2026
Reading coordinates from grids is a key skill for 11+ maths. It helps your child understand how to find exact positions on a grid, using pairs of numbers called coordinates.
Worked example
Question: What are the coordinates of point A on this grid?
Step 1: Start at the origin (0, 0), which is the bottom left corner.
Step 2: Move along the x-axis (across), counting how many squares to the right point A is. Point A is 4 squares to the right. The x-coordinate is 4.
Step 3: From there, move up the y-axis (up), counting how many squares up to point A. Point A is 2 squares up. The y-coordinate is 2.
Step 4: Write the coordinates as (4, 2).
The correct answer is (4, 2).
Key insight: Once your child can read coordinates, they will spot any point on a grid quickly and confidently. The next step is to practise this type of question, so your child feels ready for similar problems in their 11+ exam.
