Place all your bead containers on a large table that is at a comfortable height to sit at. If you're counting a large number of beads you will want a good amount of space, so make sure the table is big enough.
Place any object on the table that can contain the beads and keep them from rolling off the table and onto the floor. A hula hoop, an extension cord, rope or even completed bead necklaces arranged in a circle would work.
Count the beads in groups of five. Take five beads and place them on one side of the table. Take another five beads and place them next to the first five, so that eventually you have many small, individual piles of five beads.
Count the number of piles you have and multiply that number by five, which will give you the total number of beads you have on the table.