Times tables can feel like a mountain of numbers to memorise. But multiplication is full of patterns and shortcuts that make it much easier. Here are twelve multiplication tricks for kids to learn times tables faster and with more confidence.
First, Understand What Multiplication Means
Multiplication is repeated addition. For example, 3 × 4 means “3 groups of 4” or 4 + 4 + 4 = 12. Using objects like buttons, beads, or pebbles helps children see this.
1. The ×0 and ×1 Rules
- Any number × 0 = 0
- Any number × 1 = the same number
Two whole tables learned already!
2. The ×2 Trick: Double It
Multiplying by 2 is just doubling. 7 × 2 = 7 + 7 = 14.
3. The ×10 Trick: Add a Zero
Multiply any whole number by 10 by adding a zero on the end. 6 × 10 = 60.
4. The ×5 Trick: Half of ×10
Multiply by 10, then halve it. 8 × 5 → 8 × 10 = 80 → half is 40. Answers in the 5 times table always end in 0 or 5.
5. The ×4 Trick: Double, Then Double Again
7 × 4 → double 7 = 14 → double 14 = 28.
6. The ×8 Trick: Double Three Times
6 × 8 → 12 → 24 → 48.
7. The ×3 Trick: Double and Add One More
6 × 3 → double 6 = 12, plus one more 6 = 18.
8. The ×6 Trick: ×5 Plus One More
7 × 6 → 7 × 5 = 35, plus 7 = 42.
9. The ×9 Finger Trick
Hold up all ten fingers. To solve 9 × 4, fold down your fourth finger. Count fingers to the left of the folded one (3) and to the right (6): the answer is 36.
Another ×9 pattern: The digits of the answers add up to 9 (18 → 1 + 8 = 9; 27 → 2 + 7 = 9).
10. The ×11 Trick (For Single Digits)
Just repeat the digit: 11 × 3 = 33, 11 × 7 = 77.
11. Switch It Around
Multiplication works in any order: 3 × 8 is the same as 8 × 3. So if you know one, you know the other. This cuts the number of facts to learn almost in half!
12. Square Numbers
Learn the squares (2 × 2, 3 × 3, up to 10 × 10). They’re great anchors: if you know 7 × 7 = 49, then 7 × 8 is just 49 + 7 = 56.
The Tricky Ones
After using these tricks, only a few facts usually remain difficult, such as 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8. Make up rhymes:
- “5, 6, 7, 8: 56 = 7 × 8”
- “6 × 8 = 48, don’t be late!”
Fun Times Tables Games
- Multiplication war: Flip two playing cards and race to say the product.
- Times table hopscotch: Hop and call out answers.
- Dice multiplication: Roll two dice and multiply.
- Song and rhythm: Chant tables with a beat, a traditional method still used in many Indian schools.
- Real-life maths: “Each packet has 6 biscuits. How many in 4 packets?”
Tips for Parents
- Practise for 5 to 10 minutes a day rather than long sessions.
- Focus on one table at a time.
- Praise effort and progress, not just speed.
- Avoid pressure; math anxiety makes learning harder.
Final Thoughts
With patterns, tricks, and games, times tables stop being a chore and become a puzzle to solve. Before long, your child will be multiplying with speed and a smile.
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