Dice games with paper and pencil are some of the easiest games to play anywhere. You do not need a board, cards, tokens, or special equipment. A few dice, a sheet of paper, and a pencil are enough to create fun games for kids, families, students, and casual game nights.
These games are perfect for home, classrooms, travel, rainy days, waiting rooms, family gatherings, and screen-free activities. Paper and pencil make dice games more organized because players can write scores, draw grids, create story ideas, track rounds, or design their own game sheets.
This guide shares simple dice games you can play with only dice, paper, and pencil. Each game includes materials, rules, examples, score sheets, and tips to make the activity easier or more challenging.
Why Paper and Pencil Dice Games Are Useful
Paper and pencil dice games are simple, flexible, and low-cost. They work well when you want quick entertainment without setting up a full board game.
| Benefit | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| No board needed | Easy to play anywhere |
| Low cost | Only dice, paper, and pencil are required |
| Good for kids | Supports counting, writing, and scorekeeping |
| Good for classrooms | Easy to print or copy for groups |
| Travel-friendly | Works in cars, hotels, and waiting areas |
| Flexible rules | Games can be made easier or harder |
| Screen-free | Gives children and families a break from devices |
| Creative | Players can draw, write, and design game sheets |
These games are also helpful for learning. Children can practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, memory, spelling, storytelling, and decision-making while playing.
What You Need
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| 1 die | Simple counting, drawing, and beginner games |
| 2 dice | Addition, score races, number grids |
| 3 dice | Challenge games and target numbers |
| Paper | Score sheets, grids, drawings, and story charts |
| Pencil | Writing scores and answers |
| Eraser | Fixing scores or changing game sheets |
| Ruler | Optional for drawing neat grids |
| Dice tray or cup | Optional for controlled rolling |
For young children, use large dice and supervise play. Small dice can be unsafe for toddlers.
Quick Game Picker
| Game | Best For | Dice Needed | Main Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll and Add Score Sheet | Beginners | 2 | Addition |
| Number Grid Challenge | Kids and students | 2 | Number matching |
| Paper Shut the Box | Families/classrooms | 2 | Number combinations |
| Roll and Draw | Creative kids | 1 | Drawing |
| Dice Story Sheet | Writing practice | 1 | Storytelling |
| Target Number Challenge | Older kids | 3–4 | Math thinking |
| Multiplication Race | Students | 2 | Multiplication |
| Dice Bingo on Paper | Groups | 2 | Listening and number recognition |
| Score Ladder | Family game night | 2 | Score tracking |
| Create-a-Game Sheet | Creative learners | Any | Rule design |
1. Roll and Add Score Sheet
This is one of the easiest dice games with paper and pencil. It helps players practice addition and scorekeeping.
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Players: 2 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Main skill: Addition
How to play
- Each player writes their name on the score sheet.
- Player 1 rolls two dice.
- Add the two dice.
- Write the total in Round 1.
- Continue for 5 rounds.
- Add all round scores.
- Highest total wins.
Filled score sheet example
| Player | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sara | 8 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 40 |
| Ali | 5 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 37 |
| Lina | 9 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 39 |
| Omar | 7 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 37 |
Easy version: Use one die.
Harder version: Use three dice.
2. Number Grid Challenge
Number Grid Challenge is a paper-based dice game where players try to fill a grid using dice totals.
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 10 minutes
Main skill: Addition and planning
How to play
- Draw a 3×3 grid on paper.
- Roll two dice.
- Add the total.
- Write the total in any empty box.
- Continue until the grid is full.
- Add all numbers in the grid.
- Highest total wins.
Example grid
| 8 | 6 | 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 12 | 5 |
| 9 | 4 | 11 |
Variation: Lowest total wins. This makes players think differently about where to place numbers.
3. Paper Shut the Box
This is a no-board version of Shut the Box. Instead of using a wooden board, players write numbers on paper.
Best for: Ages 7 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Main skill: Addition combinations
How to play
- Write numbers 1 to 9 on paper.
- Roll two dice.
- Add the dice total.
- Cross out one number or a combination of numbers that equals the total.
- Keep rolling until no matching number or combination is available.
- Add the numbers left uncrossed.
- Lowest score wins.
Example choices
| Dice Total | Possible Numbers to Cross Out |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5, or 2 + 3, or 1 + 4 |
| 6 | 6, or 1 + 5, or 2 + 4 |
| 7 | 7, or 1 + 6, or 2 + 5, or 3 + 4 |
| 8 | 8, or 1 + 7, or 2 + 6, or 3 + 5 |
| 9 | 9, or 1 + 8, or 2 + 7, or 3 + 6, or 4 + 5 |
Filled example
| Roll | Dice Total | Crossed Out | Numbers Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | 3 + 4 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| 2 | 9 | 9 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| 3 | 6 | 1 + 5 | 2, 6, 7, 8 |
| 4 | 8 | 8 | 2, 6, 7 |
| Final | No move | Score = 15 | 2 + 6 + 7 |
4. Roll and Draw
Roll and Draw is a creative paper and pencil dice game. Players roll a die to decide what to draw.
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: 1 die
Time: 10 minutes
Main skill: Creativity and following directions
How to play
- Choose a drawing theme, such as a face, robot, monster, or animal.
- Roll one die.
- Draw the matching part.
- Keep rolling until the drawing is complete.
- Let each player show their drawing.
Face drawing chart
| Dice Roll | Draw This |
|---|---|
| 1 | Head |
| 2 | Eyes |
| 3 | Nose |
| 4 | Mouth |
| 5 | Ears |
| 6 | Hair or hat |
Fun variation: Use a robot, alien, animal, or superhero chart.
5. Dice Story Sheet
Dice Story Sheet is a writing game where dice rolls create story ideas.
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: 1 die rolled three times
Time: 10 to 20 minutes
Main skill: Writing and storytelling
How to play
- Roll once for a character.
- Roll once for a place.
- Roll once for a problem.
- Write a short story using all three results.
| Roll | Character | Place | Problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A lost puppy | A forest | Finds a secret map |
| 2 | A young scientist | A school lab | Makes a strange discovery |
| 3 | A funny robot | A kitchen | Loses its memory |
| 4 | A tiny dragon | A garden | Cannot fly |
| 5 | A clever cat | A library | Finds a hidden door |
| 6 | A brave child | A mountain | Needs to solve a riddle |
Filled example
| Story Element | Dice Roll | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Character | 3 | A funny robot |
| Place | 5 | A library |
| Problem | 1 | Finds a secret map |
Example story idea:
A funny robot visits a quiet library and finds a secret map inside an old book. The map leads to a room full of missing stories.
6. Target Number Challenge
Target Number Challenge is a great paper and pencil dice game for older kids and students.
Best for: Ages 8 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: 3 or 4 dice
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Main skill: Math thinking
How to play
- Choose a target number, such as 20 or 24.
- Roll 3 or 4 dice.
- Use the numbers to create an equation.
- You can use addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
- The closest answer to the target wins.
Example
Target number: 24
Dice rolled: 6, 3, 2, 1
Possible equation:
6 × 3 + 2 + 1 = 21
Another option:
6 × 3 + 2 × 1 = 20
Harder version: Allow division and require players to use all dice.
7. Multiplication Race
Multiplication Race is useful for students who are learning multiplication facts.
Best for: Ages 8 and up
Players: 2 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 10 minutes
Main skill: Multiplication
How to play
- Each player rolls two dice.
- Multiply the two numbers.
- Write the product on the score sheet.
- Play 5 rounds.
- Highest total wins.
Filled score sheet
| Player | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4 | Round 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sara | 12 | 18 | 20 | 9 | 24 | 83 |
| Ali | 10 | 15 | 30 | 8 | 18 | 81 |
| Lina | 16 | 12 | 25 | 6 | 20 | 79 |
| Omar | 18 | 24 | 12 | 10 | 15 | 79 |
Harder version: Roll three dice. Multiply two dice and add the third.
8. Dice Bingo on Paper
Dice Bingo is simple, fun, and good for groups.
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Players: 2 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Main skill: Number recognition and addition
How to play
- Each player draws a 3×3 grid.
- Fill the grid with numbers from 2 to 12.
- One player rolls two dice.
- Everyone adds the total.
- If the number is on their grid, they cross it out.
- First player to cross out three numbers in a row wins.
Example bingo card
| 2 | 7 | 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 12 |
| 3 | 6 | 9 |
Tip: Since 7 is common with two dice, many players like putting it in the center.
9. Score Ladder
Score Ladder is a simple paper game where players climb a score ladder by rolling dice.
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Players: 2 or more
Dice needed: 2 dice
Time: 10 minutes
Main skill: Addition and score tracking
How to play
- Draw a ladder with 10 steps.
- Each player starts at step 0.
- Roll two dice.
- If the total is 6, 7, or 8, move up 2 steps.
- If the total is 2, 3, 11, or 12, move up 1 step.
- Any other total means no move.
- First player to reach step 10 wins.
Ladder progress example
| Player | Step After Round 1 | Step After Round 2 | Step After Round 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sara | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Ali | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Lina | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Omar | 2 | 4 | 4 |
10. Create-a-Game Sheet
This activity lets children or students create their own dice game using paper and pencil.
Best for: Ages 8 and up
Players: 1 or more
Dice needed: Any number
Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Main skill: Creativity and rule design
Game design sheet
| Game Detail | Example |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Number Mission |
| Dice Needed | 2 dice |
| Players | 2 to 4 |
| Goal | Reach 50 points |
| How to Score | Add both dice |
| Bonus Rule | Doubles give 5 extra points |
| How to Win | First to 50 wins |
| Special Rule | Rolling 2 skips next turn |
How to use it
- Choose a game name.
- Decide how many dice are needed.
- Write 3 to 5 simple rules.
- Test the game.
- Change rules that feel confusing.
- Play again with improved rules.
This is a great classroom or homeschool activity because students practice writing, logic, math, and creativity.
Best Paper and Pencil Dice Games by Age
| Age Group | Best Games |
|---|---|
| Ages 4–6 | Roll and Draw, Roll and Add |
| Ages 6–8 | Dice Bingo, Score Ladder, Story Sheet |
| Ages 8–10 | Multiplication Race, Paper Shut the Box |
| Ages 10+ | Target Number Challenge, Create-a-Game Sheet |
| Mixed ages | Roll and Add, Dice Bingo, Roll and Draw |
Best Uses for Paper and Pencil Dice Games
| Situation | Best Game |
|---|---|
| Classroom activity | Dice Bingo |
| Math practice | Multiplication Race |
| Writing practice | Dice Story Sheet |
| Family night | Paper Shut the Box |
| Travel activity | Roll and Add |
| Creative activity | Roll and Draw |
| Older students | Target Number Challenge |
| Homeschool lesson | Create-a-Game Sheet |
Tips to Make These Games Better
- Use a dice tray or bowl so dice do not roll away.
- Keep rounds short for younger kids.
- Let children decorate their score sheets.
- Use teams for mixed-age players.
- Give bonus points for explaining answers.
- Use pencil so mistakes can be erased.
- Keep a folder of reusable game sheets.
- Change target scores to make games shorter or longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Making rules too long | Use 3 to 5 simple rules |
| Not writing scores clearly | Use a proper score sheet |
| Choosing games too hard for kids | Match games with age level |
| Playing too many rounds | Keep sessions short |
| Letting dice roll everywhere | Use a tray or cup |
| Focusing only on winning | Include learning and creativity |
| Using blank tables | Fill tables with examples |
FAQs About Dice Games With Paper and Pencil
What are dice games with paper and pencil?
Dice games with paper and pencil are games that use dice along with written score sheets, grids, drawings, story charts, or number lists. They do not need a board.
What is the easiest paper and pencil dice game?
Roll and Add is one of the easiest. Players roll dice, add the total, and write the score on paper.
Can kids play dice games with paper and pencil?
Yes. Kids can play simple games like Roll and Draw, Dice Bingo, Roll and Add, and Paper Shut the Box.
Are paper and pencil dice games educational?
Yes. These games can help with counting, addition, multiplication, writing, memory, strategy, and creativity.
How many dice do I need?
Most paper and pencil dice games need one or two dice. Some challenge games use three or four dice.
Can these games be used in classrooms?
Yes. Teachers can use paper and pencil dice games for math practice, writing prompts, probability lessons, and quick classroom activities.
What is a good dice game for travel?
Roll and Add, Dice Story Sheet, and Dice Bingo are good travel-friendly options because they need very little space.
Final Thoughts
Dice games with paper and pencil are simple, affordable, and easy to play almost anywhere. They are useful for families, classrooms, homeschool lessons, travel, and screen-free fun.
Start with Roll and Add if you want a quick score game. Try Paper Shut the Box for number combinations. Use Roll and Draw or Dice Story Sheet for creative play. For older kids, Target Number Challenge and Create-a-Game Sheet add more thinking and problem-solving.
With only dice, paper, and a pencil, you can create many fun and educational games without needing a board or expensive materials.
Note: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not promote betting, cheating, casino play, loaded dice, or real-money gambling.
