A number line generator for integers, decimals and fractions
This number line generator draws clean, accurately spaced number lines for lessons, homework and worksheets. Choose any start and end — negative numbers included — the step between labelled ticks and how many small divisions sit between them, then label the ticks as integers, decimals, fractions or mixed numbers. Fractions are written stacked, the way they appear in textbooks.
On top of the line you can plot points (filled or open circles with letters), shade intervals written in interval notation such as [−1, 2) or (3, ∞) for inequalities, and draw jumps that show addition and subtraction, like −4 + 3 + 2 = 1. Download the line as SVG or a 300 dpi PNG for slides and documents, or print a page with up to 12 lines — with labels only at the ends for a fill-in worksheet.
How to use the Number Line Generator
- Enter the start, end and step. You can type whole numbers, decimals (0.1), fractions (1/4) or mixed numbers (1 1/2).
- Choose the small divisions per step and how labels are written: automatic, integers, decimals, fractions or mixed numbers.
- Add points (one per line: value, label, and “open” for a hollow circle), intervals in interval notation, and jumps as “start: +3, +2, −1”.
- Download the line on its own as SVG or PNG, at 120, 180 or 250 mm long.
- For a worksheet, set the number of lines on the page, choose “Only at the two ends” for labels, tick “Add name and date”, then print or download the PDF.
Number Line Generator features
Exact fraction ticks
Ticks are computed with exact fractions, so 1/3 steps never drift and labels like 2/3 or 1 1/3 are always right.
Negatives and decimals
Lines from −20 to 20, 0 to 1 in tenths or −1.5 to 1.5 in quarters all work.
Points, intervals and jumps
Open and closed circles, shaded intervals with infinite ends, and arrowed arcs for addition and subtraction.
Worksheet mode
Up to 12 identical lines per page with labels at the ends only, at zero, or none at all.
Vector output
SVG and PDF stay sharp at any size; the PNG is rendered at 300 dpi.
Using number lines in maths lessons
- Integers: a line from −10 to 10 shows that −3 is less than −1 and that adding a negative number moves left.
- Addition and subtraction: jumps model counting on and back; the “open number line” strategy splits 38 + 25 into +2, +20, +3.
- Fractions: a line from 0 to 2 in quarters shows that 3/4 and 6/8 are the same point and that 5/4 lies between 1 and 2. The fraction visualizer adds pies and bars.
- Decimals: tenths between 0 and 1, or hundredths between 0.3 and 0.4, help with rounding and ordering.
- Inequalities: x ≥ −1 and x < 2 is the interval [−1, 2): closed circle at −1, open circle at 2.
Interval notation at a glance
Type “inf” or “∞” for infinity. Square brackets mean the end is included (filled circle); round brackets mean it is not (open circle).
| Inequality | Interval notation | Ends on the line |
|---|---|---|
| −1 ≤ x < 2 | [−1, 2) | closed at −1, open at 2 |
| x > 3 | (3, ∞) | open at 3, arrow to the right |
| x ≤ 0 | (−∞, 0] | arrow to the left, closed at 0 |
| 2 < x < 5 | (2, 5) | open at both ends |
| −4 ≤ x ≤ 4 | [−4, 4] | closed at both ends |
Printing tips
Printing sends only the page to the printer at 100% scale, so a 180 mm line is 180 mm on paper. Landscape fits longer lines and more ticks. For classroom displays, download the SVG and scale it in your slide software, or open the PDF at a print shop. Need a ruler instead? Try the printable ruler; for coordinate work, the graph paper generator.
Number Line Generator FAQ
How do I make a number line with fractions?
Enter a fractional step such as 1/4 (or start/end values like 1/2) and choose “Fractions” or “Mixed numbers”. The number line generator labels each tick with a stacked fraction such as 3/4 or 1 1/4.
Can it show negative numbers?
Yes. Use a negative start, for example −10 to 10. Negative labels are written with a minus sign and zero can be the only label in the middle for worksheets.
How do I show addition on a number line?
In Jumps, write the starting number, a colon and the steps: “-4: +3, +2” draws arcs from −4 to −1 to 1 with the jump sizes written above.
How do I draw an inequality on a number line?
Type it in interval notation in Intervals: [−1, 2) for −1 ≤ x < 2, or (3, inf) for x > 3. Closed ends get filled circles and open ends hollow ones.
Can I make a blank number line worksheet?
Yes. Choose “Only at the two ends” or “None” under Show labels, set several lines on the page and tick the name and date option, then print or download the PDF.
What size is the downloaded image?
The SVG and PNG are the line alone: 120, 180 or 250 mm long plus a 10 mm margin each side; the PNG is 300 dots per inch.