Learn Chinese Abacus Calculation
of reading - words
Using the Chinese abacus, or suanpan, is relatively simple and analogous to using the Japanese soroban. In this article, we will explain how you can perform addition and subtraction with it.
Performing Addition with a Chinese Abacus
Principle
Addition is undoubtedly the simplest operation to perform on the Chinese abacus.
You enter the first number and then add a second, followed by any subsequent numbers one after the other.
Addition Example
1345 + 871
First, enter the first term of the addition, 1345, onto the abacus.
Add the units (ones place) of the two terms: 5 + 1 = 6.
Then move to the tens: 7 + 4 = 11.
This requires carrying over to the hundreds row.
Finally, add the hundreds: 8 + 4 = 12.
Carry over again to the thousands row.
You then obtain the sum: 2216.
If there are more terms to add, you can continue adding them sequentially.
Performing Subtraction with the Chinese Abacus
Principle
Performing subtraction on the Chinese abacus is very similar to addition.
You inscribe the minuend (the number being subtracted from) and then subtract the subtrahend (the number being subtracted), this time starting from the most significant digit toward the units. (Moving left to right, unlike addition which proceeds right to left).
Subtraction Example
2434 – 1523
First, enter the minuend, 2434.
First, subtract the thousands: 2 – 1 = 1.
Then the hundreds: 4 – 5 = -1.
This negative result requires borrowing from the higher row (thousands).
Next, subtract the tens: 3 – 2 = 1.
Finally, subtract the units: 4 – 3 = 1.
You thus obtain the difference of the subtraction: 911.
Go Further!
There you have it—you now know how to perform subtraction with a Chinese abacus!
Why not try it for yourself by getting your own suanpan? We have a wide selection available.
If you wish to start immediately, you can use the virtual Chinese abacus from Alcula that we used to illustrate the calculations.
