The Ultimate Guide to Times Tables

Mastering multiplication is one of the biggest steps in primary maths. This guide is packed with tips, tricks, and fun ways to make learning them a breeze.

Why Learn Times Tables?

Learning times tables isn't just about passing tests! It's a foundational skill that makes all sorts of other maths topics—like fractions, division, and even algebra—much easier. It builds confidence and speeds up mental maths, helping your child become a more fluent and flexible thinker.

Step 1: Understand What Multiplication Is

Before memorizing, it's crucial to know what "times" actually means. Multiplication is just a fast way of adding the same number over and over. We call this "groups of". For example, 3 x 4 is the same as 3 groups of 4 (4 + 4 + 4).

Click a button to see what the groups look like:

The Magic Trick: Flip It!

Notice how 3 groups of 4 is the same amount as 4 groups of 3? This is called the Commutative Property. It means you only have to learn half the facts. If you know 7 x 8 = 56, you already know 8 x 7 = 56!

Step 2: Clever Tricks for Tricky Tables

Nobody memorizes all 144 facts at once! The secret is to learn them in chunks, using patterns and tricks to help. Click on each section to reveal the secrets.

0s: Anything times 0 is 0. Easy!

1s: Anything times 1 is just itself.

2s: Just double the number. (2x7 is 7+7)

5s: The answer always ends in a 5 or a 0. It's half of the 10s table!

10s: Just add a 0 to the end of the number.

3s: Double a number and then add it on one more time. (e.g., for 3x6, do 2x6=12, then add another 6 to get 18).

4s: Double, double! For 4x7, double 7 to get 14, then double 14 to get 28.

9s: Use the finger trick! Hold up both hands. To work out 9x4, fold down your 4th finger from the left. You have 3 fingers to the left and 6 to the right. The answer is 36! It works every time.

11s: For single digits, just repeat the digit (e.g., 11x5 = 55). For double digits up to 18, 11 x 12 = 132.

These are the toughest! By now, you know most of them from other tables. The rest take practice, but here are some strategies:

6s: If the 5s table is easy, just add one more group. For 6x7, do 5x7=35, then add another 7 to get 42.

8s: Double, double, double! For 8x6, double 6 is 12, double 12 is 24, double 24 is 48.

7s: The 7s are the hardest as they have fewer patterns. One trick is to break it down: 7x8 can be thought of as (5x8) + (2x8), which is 40 + 16 = 56.

12s: Think of it as 10 times the number plus 2 times the number (e.g., for 12x4, do 10x4=40 and 2x4=8. Then 40+8=48).

Step 3: Practice Makes Perfect

Knowing the tricks is one thing, but quick recall comes from practice. Mix it up to keep it fun!

Offline Practice

Flashcards: Make your own for a fun craft activity.
Chanting & Singing: Find times table songs online or make up your own.
Car Journeys: Call out random times table questions.
Use Dice: Roll two dice and multiply the numbers together.

The 60-Second Challenge!

How many can you answer correctly in one minute? Press Start to begin!

Step 4: See The Patterns

One of the best ways to learn is by seeing the patterns. Click on any number in the top row or first column to highlight all of its multiples. Can you find the diagonal line of square numbers (1, 4, 9, 16...)?

Step 5: Create Your Own Worksheets

Generate unlimited, random worksheets for targeted practice. Select the times tables you want to include, choose the number of questions, and click Generate!