Characteristics
Size: 22.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm
Reset system
Aluminum frame

What is Soroban

The soroban is a counting frame with rods or beads used for arithmetic operations. It was invented from the Japanese abacus called Soroban. The soroban is a tool for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

The soroban is used in Japan for arithmetic exercises in schools. All Japanese students learn to use the soroban. It is an important instrument in primary education. The string version of the soroban is also popular in primary schools.

Although the term “soroban” is used in Japan, some Japanese textbooks refer to it as suanpan or suan pan.

Benefits of the Soroban

1. The soroban can be used by people of all ages and abilities to master arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
2. It encourages children to work independently and contributes to the development of autonomy and understanding of mathematics.
3. The soroban helps students build a strong foundation for further studies in mathematics, as it introduces concepts like place value that are fundamental for advanced mathematical studies, such as algebra.
4. It provides an interactive method suitable for individual or group teaching situations.
5. It allows for basic arithmetic operations without the need for paper or pencil.

Design of the Soroban

The soroban consists of a rectangular frame divided into two parts: the upper and lower sections. The lower section has four bars on each rod. There are four beads on a rod in the lower part called unit beads and one bead on the upper part of the soroban which is used to count units of five.

The usage is similar to the suanpan, where you can count up to 9 by adding units on each rod from left to right.

Using the Soroban

The soroban can be used to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers. The beads on the upper section are moved along the rods while performing calculations using standard algorithms (which can be memorized). More complex calculations can also be performed with the right technique.

History and Name of the Soroban

Invented in the 16th century, the soroban replaced the counting board known as suanpan, used in China since at least 400 AD. The name “soroban” derives from its resemblance to a traditional Japanese board made from a thin piece of wood called “soroban.” The soroban is used for calculations in Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. A similar device with beads on rods was known as Suan Pan in ancient China.