Understand the idea.
A grid reference names a cell
A grid reference is an address for one cell on a map. The letter identifies a column running up and down; the number identifies a row running across. Both parts are needed to pick out one cell.
On this map, columns run from A to D, left to right, and rows run from 1 to 4, bottom to top. B3 means the cell where column B and row 3 meet.
Read the labels, not a guess
To find a place, read its column letter first, then its row number. To find a reference already given, trace the named column and row until they meet. Check that the place lies inside that cell.
These references name whole cells, rather than the corners where grid lines cross. Read the labels on each new map: another map might number its rows from the top instead.
See the method in action.
Find the library
What is the library’s grid reference?
Worked solution
- 1
Find the library’s column.
The library lies inside the vertical strip labelled B.
- 2
Find its row.
The same cell lies in the horizontal strip labelled 3.
- 3
Write B3.
This map writes the column letter before the row number.
B3.
Find a named cell
Which place is in cell C2?
Worked solution
- 1
Locate column C.
The letter in C2 selects the third column from the left.
- 2
Find row 2 in that column.
The number selects the second row from the bottom on this map.
- 3
Read the place in their shared cell.
The cell C2 contains the shop.
The shop.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
What is the grid reference of the park on the supplied map?
Show answer & reasoning
D1.
The park lies in column D and row 1. Combining the letter and number gives D1.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions · 7 marks
Read the questions online
- Write the grid reference of Home.1 mark
- Write the grid reference of School.1 mark
- Name the place in A4.1 mark
- Name the place in B3.1 mark
- Which reference follows this map’s rule: 2 C or C2?1 mark
- Explain why D4 identifies a cell rather than one exact point inside the school.2 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Write the grid reference of Home.1 mark
Home is in column A, row 1.
A1. - Write the grid reference of School.1 mark
School is in column D, row 4.
D4. - Name the place in A4.1 mark
Column A and row 4 meet at the pool cell.
Pool. - Name the place in B3.1 mark
Column B and row 3 meet at the library cell.
Library. - Which reference follows this map’s rule: 2 C or C2?1 mark
The column letter comes before the row number.
C2. - Explain why D4 identifies a cell rather than one exact point inside the school.2 marks
Grid-cell references are different from point coordinates.
The reference names the entire column-D, row-4 box. It does not describe a point within it.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Letter–number references; positions; directions; pathways.
Official curriculum source ↗