Color by number printables — free PDFs with answer key
Every page has a number in each space and a color key at the bottom. Pick 4 to 12 colors, download the PDF and the second page shows the finished picture.
How our color by number pages work
Each picture is one of our original coloring pages. Every closed space gets a number, and the key at the bottom says which crayon goes with each number — 1 = red, 2 = yellow and so on.
- Choose how many colors: 4–6 for preschool and kindergarten, 8–12 for older kids who like a challenge.
- Pick US Letter or A4 and download the PDF.
- Print page 1 and color each space with the matching crayon, marker or colored pencil.
- Page 2 is the answer key in full color — handy for checking, or for little ones who want to copy it.
Neighbouring spaces get different numbers whenever the color count allows, so the finished picture looks like a picture, not one big blob.
Which color count should I pick?
| Age | Colors | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | 4 | Few numbers to remember; big spaces first |
| 5–7 | 6 | Classic crayon box: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple |
| 7–10 | 8–10 | Adds pink, brown and light blue for more detail |
| 10+ and adults | 12 | The most variety; pick a detailed page |
Why color by number helps
- Number recognition: matching 1–12 to a key is real practice for preschoolers.
- Fine motor control: staying inside a space builds pencil grip for handwriting.
- Following directions: a quiet, self-checking activity for centers, early finishers and rainy days.
- Math practice: our math versions put a sum or product in each space — solve it, then color.
Color by number by theme
Thanksgiving · Christmas · Cute · Fall · Winter · Camper · Horse · Spring · Summer · Easy · Flower · Butterfly · Bunny · Shark · Frog · Bird · Monster truck · Pumpkin · Spider · Bat · Princess · Rainbow · Dragon · Mandala · Fairy · Car · Football · Anime · K-pop
Practicing facts? Try math color by number, or the free worksheets. Prefer to color freely? Browse all free coloring pages.
Frequently asked questions
Are these color by number pages free?
Yes. Download and print as many as you like for home or the classroom, no sign-up and no watermark.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Every PDF has two pages: the numbered puzzle with the color key, and the finished picture in full color.
Can I change the number of colors?
Yes — choose 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 colors before downloading. Fewer colors means bigger groups of the same number, which is easier for young kids.
Will it print on A4?
Yes. Pick US Letter or A4; the picture and key are sized to fit inside the printable margins of both.
Do you have math color by number?
Yes. The math color by number worksheets put an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problem in every space; the answer tells you the color.