If you’re a parent feeling unsure about teaching math at home or a teacher seeing students struggle despite using shortcuts, this blog is for you. Vedic Maths vs Abacus: Which is Better for your child’s learning?
We’ll explore both methods in detail to help you find the best way to boost your child’s confidence and reduce math anxiety.
1. Introduction: Vedic Maths vs Abacus – Which Is Better for Reducing Math Anxiety in Children?
In Today's fast-moving world, Parents and Teachers are worried about children's competence in learning mathematics. Many children face math anxiety just because they cannot solve a math problem in an exam or perform simple mathematical calculations in their schoolwork, and hate math. This obstruction builds "Math Anxiety" and weakens the child's ability in overall life.
I'm Mamta Rupesh, a Vedic Math Teacher and professional mentor passionate about transforming students' mathematical abilities. I began by researching the reasons why students face challenges in mathematics.
After conducting extensive research, I discovered that Vedic Mathematics and the abacus are the most effective learning methods. They have numerous benefits for teaching Math easily and improving children's mental math abilities and concentration skills.
Let's see how Vedic Maths or the Abacus helps reduce Math anxiety in kids and improve math speed.
In this blog, we aim to help you decide between Vedic Mathematics and Abacus by providing the insights needed to match your child's learning style.
2. What is Vedic Maths?
Vedic Math is an ancient method of the Indian mathematical technique. It is a collection of formulae written by Swami Shri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaj, rediscovered from ancient Indian texts called "Vedas".
Vedic Maths contains 16 main Vedic Math Sutras and 13 Sub-Sutras, simplifying how to solve any Maths problem.
Vedic Sutras help to solve complex math problems more easily and quickly. Students preparing for competitive exams such as Banking, Railway, UPSC, and SSC can increase their calculation speed using quick tricks and save time in their exams.
Vedic Maths is a mental math calculation system, which means calculations can be carried out in the mind, though they can be carried out using pen and paper.
Mathematical operations like Additions, Subtractions, Multiplications, Divisions, Squares, Square roots, Cubes, Cube roots, and many more can be calculated in mind within seconds.
Ultimately, these mental math techniques and quick calculations are more creative and interactive for students' math journey, improving mental endurance, cognitive development, logical reasoning, and logical thinking.
3. What is Abacus?
The Abacus is an ancient counting tool, a bead-based math technique, or a mental arithmetic tool.
The primary benefits of the Abacus are to teach basic arithmetic calculations like Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division.
The Abacus used today traces its origins back to the 2nd century B.C. in China. It is an ancient tool used for counting and calculating.
Abacus learning interests children. It's a powerful calculation tool with a rectangular frame with wires on which rows of movable beads are placed. The frame contains a 2-dimensional array of slidable beads.
The Abacus beads on rods represent digits and are moved during calculations. Users can perform arithmetic operations by sliding them up or down towards the central beam. Only the beads that touch the beam are counted.
Each top bead is worth 5, while each bottom bead is worth 1. The rods are labeled with numbers underneath to indicate their place value (units, tens, hundreds, etc.).
The benefits of Abacus training include its ability to develop children's brains by teaching or performing math using a physical tool.
Abacus classes for kids enhance whole-brain development by keeping them engaged and making math enjoyable.
This improves calculating abilities, cognitive abilities, mental calculation skills, learning styles, and academic success.
4. Key Differences Between Vedic Maths and Abacus
Abacus is an ancient calculating tool-based learning technique that uses an Abacus frame. Vedic Maths is an Indian mathematics technique consisting of formulas and sub-formulas.
Let me show you the difference between Vedic Maths and the Abacus.
| Aspect | Vedic Maths | Abacus |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Operation | Mental calculation system | physical rectangular tool |
| Type of Efficiency | Calculation improved program | Brain development program |
| Scope of Applications | Higher calculations | Basic calculations |
| Origin | The ancient Indian traditional system | Modern Chinese System |
| Age Criteria | Age group: 8 years onwards | Age group 5 - 14 years |
| Time investment | can be learnt in 8 - 12 months | Requires a minimum of 2-3 years of intensive practice |
| Scope of Math Learning | used to learn Advanced / complex arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, etc. | used to learn basic arithmetic operations |
| Type of Visualization | Mental visualization is required | Physical visualization (Bead frame) is required |
Abacus or Vedic Maths are both used to solve mathematical problems easily and quickly, thereby increasing children's quicker improvement in math skill development.
When considering age-appropriate math learning, the Abacus, as a handy calculating tool, is suitable for children aged 5 to 14, while Vedic Maths can be introduced from 8 onwards.
However, children, competitive exam aspirants, parents, and teachers can learn both Vedic Maths and the Abacus for academic growth and a path to success.
Both Abacus and Vedic Maths can be used to develop math skills. When it comes to learning fast, Abacus vs. Vedic Maths is a close race. Abacus requires 2-3 years of intense practice, while Vedic Maths requires only 8-12 months.
The Learning outcomes of the abacus and Vedic Maths are lifelong and have a positive impact.
Abacus is used to solve fundamental arithmetic problems, Vedic Maths Is used to solve complex arithmetic problems, and advanced level Maths like calculus, geometry, and algebra.
5. Which is Better for Children? (Pros and Cons)
By now, you might have plenty of questions, like, "Which is the best technique for children?"
Vedic Maths vs Abacus, which is better?
Which method is better for improving calculation speed?
Should we consider logic vs visualization?
Hold on..
Here are the answers to a bunch of questions raised in your mind.
Both Vedic Maths and Abacus Maths techniques have their own merits and drawbacks.
5.1 The Pros and Cons of Vedic Maths
Pros:
- Improves Thinking Skills: Vedic Maths helps you understand how numbers work, not just how to calculate fast. It builds logical and creative thinking and enhances problem-solving skills.
- Useful for Many Topics: It’s not just for basic maths, it also helps in advanced topics like algebra, geometry, and even calculus.
- No Tools Needed: You don’t need a calculator or an abacus. Once you learn the tricks, you can do them in your mind anytime, anywhere.
- Great for Competitive Exams: Vedic Maths helps you solve questions quickly and accurately, which is perfect for competitive exams like CAT, UPSC, SCC, Banking, Railways, or Olympiads.
Cons:
- Need Basic Math Skills First: It works best for kids 8 years and older who already have a solid understanding of basic number concepts.
- Can Feel Tricky at First: Some tricks utilize mental formulas (called Vedic sutras), which may be difficult for very young children or visual learners to understand.
5.2 The Pros and Cons of the Abacus
Pros:
- Great for Kids (Ages 5–14): The Abacus is perfect for young children. It helps them see and touch numbers, making math learning fun and easy.
- Improves Focus and Memory: The Abacus helps children pay attention more effectively and recall information more quickly. It makes their brain sharper over time.
- Makes Basic Math Strong: Kids get good at foundational arithmetic topics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by practicing the abacus. This establishes a solid mathematical foundation for future learning.
- Better Hand and Finger Control: Moving the beads with fingers helps improve hand-eye coordination and finger movements, which also helps in writing and other activities.
Cons:
- Only for Simple Math: An Abacus is good for basic math, but it doesn’t help with more complex topics like algebra or geometry.
- Needs a Physical Tool at First: Children need the abacus tool to learn and practice in the beginning, which means they can’t always do it on their own without a tool.
- Takes Time to Learn Well: It usually takes 2 to 3 years of regular learning time and practice to master the abacus and learn to picture it clearly in your mind without using the actual tool.
6. Real-Life Applications
6.1 Real-World Applications of Vedic Maths
1. Vedic Maths for exams: Vedic Maths can be used to save time by solving math problems quickly in Competitive exams like the Railway, Banking, UPSC, SSC, Olympiad exams, etc.
For example,using the Vedic "Nikhilam" Sutra, you can solve 96 × 97 in less than five seconds and get the answer 9312.
2. Vedic Maths can be used in schoolwork: Vedic Maths helps children with mathematical calculation tricks to perform quick and accurate calculations to solve problems in schoolwork.
3. It enhances child creativity and innovation: Vedic Math mental calculations train the brain, improving children's creativity and problem-solving abilities.
6.2 Real-World Applications of the Abacus
1. Abacus for school math: An Abacus can be used instead of memorizing the multiplication times table.
2. Replacing the calculator: Visually impaired people can use the Abacus tool as an alternative to a calculator.
3. Quicker calculations: The Abacus improves mental calculations, enabling the performance of mathematical operations quickly.
4. Builds a strong foundation in mathematics. Abacus beads are used to learn basic mathematics through physical visualization, building a solid foundation in Mathematics.
7. Can Vedic Maths and Abacus Be Combined?
Yes, you can learn Abacus and Vedic Maths combined.
An abacus can strengthen your basic math education. At the same time, Vedic Maths can be used to learn advanced Math concepts and improve logical thinking abilities.
Some teachers and parents combine the Abacus and Vedic Maths to get the best outcome for students.
8. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Whether it's Vedic Maths or an Abacus, you can choose the math educational tool based on your child's age and the best adaptation method.
Both Abacus and Vedic Maths provide speedy and accurate mathematical calculations, yet they differ in terms of application, time investment, and ease of learning.
Abacus Maths classes are suitable for children between 5 - 14 years old, mainly for younger children.
Vedic Maths online classes are preferable for children is 8+ years old, suitable for children from Grade 3 onwards.
The abacus is great for the foundation of basic Maths.
Vedic Maths is great for learning from the basics to advanced mathematical concepts.
Basic calculations and Arithmetic skills are improved when you learn the Abacus.
Basic & complex mathematical calculations can be performed easily using Vedic Maths.
Both have their merits, but Vedic mathematics stands out due to its ease of learning experience, reduced time consumption, and its ability to help solve both basic and advanced math concepts, with long-term benefits.
Vedic Maths is better than the Abacus in aspects of mathematics, as it can be used in daily life.
Here are a few Testimonials from our students learning Vedic Maths for your reference.
9. Our Vedic Maths Solution
Learning Modules:
Students can learn Vedic Maths to improve their learning process, analytical skills, and calculation speed. Vedic maths is not only for kids; it's also for parents and teachers.
You can either teach your kid or opt for it as a career.
Competitive exam aspirants can improve their mathematical skills.
Learning Vedic Maths has key benefits, including its global use, and can be learned in 9-12 months.
If you want your child to learn Vedic Maths online, book a Free 45-minute Personalized Demo. Through our online Vedic Math classes, I ensure that children apply Vedic maths in their everyday lives.
Live Vedic Maths Classes Best Selling
Its a 40 day live Classes thought only for children from Grade 3 to 12 covers from Basics to Advance.
- 40 Day Live Program
- Get Individual Attention
- Certification & Lifetime Access
Additionally, suppose you are a parent, competitive exam aspirant, or teacher who wants to learn Vedic Maths to teach your child, prepare for competitive exams, or expand your career opportunities. In that case, you may pick up our Vedic Math bundle kit designed for parents, teachers, and competitive exam aspirants.
Vedic Maths Bundle Kit Best Selling
Perfect program designed for students from grade 3 - 12, teachers & parents aspiring to grow their career & upskill their children.
- Bundle Offer
- Worksheets & Exercise Problems
- Certification & Lifetime Access
Learning Vedic Maths is just the beginning. Practicing it daily turns it into a superpower.
Download The Ultimate Vedic Maths Practice Worksheets - a free 15+ worksheet bundle designed to help students sharpen their skills with real problems, change their math learning methodology, and increase their math speed.
10. FAQ's
Here are a few common math learning doubts about Vedic Maths and the Abacus.
1Can Vedic Maths and the Abacus be learned together?
Yes, you can learn both Abacus and Vedic Maths for faster calculations. Based on your learning preferences, you can choose the levels from basics to advanced.
2What is the best age to learn Vedic Maths?
8 years onwards, children and adults can learn Vedic Maths too
3Is Vedic Maths helpful for competitive exams?
Yes. Vedic Math is very helpful for quick calculations in competitive exams. It enables a deeper understanding and holistic approach to learning.
4Is the Abacus still relevant today?
Yes, but not to a broader range. Kids can still take Abacus training to improve their Maths skills.
5How long does it take to master Vedic Maths or the Abacus
Vedic Maths can be learned within an 8-12 month duration. You can master maths in months of practice. An abacus needs 2-3 years of intense practice.
6Can I work as a Vedic Maths teacher?
Yes. You can take a teacher training and certificate program, and make it a career. You can check out our Vedic Maths Bundle Kit.
