Times Tables Tips & Tricks

You don't need to memorise every single times table by brute force. There are shortcuts, patterns and tricks that make it way easier. Let's go through them.

The 2 Times Table — Just Double It

The 2 times table is the easiest one. Whatever number you're multiplying by 2, just double it. Think of it like having two bags of sweets — if each bag has 7 sweets, you've got 14.

The 5 Times Table — Half Then ×10

Every answer in the 5 times table ends in 0 or 5. But here's a faster trick: take the number, multiply by 10, then halve it.

The 9 Times Table — The Finger Trick

This is a brilliant trick. Hold both hands in front of you, fingers spread out. Number your fingers 1 to 10, left to right. To multiply 9 by a number, put that finger down.

There's also a pattern: the digits of every answer in the 9 times table add up to 9. For example, 9 × 3 = 27, and 2 + 7 = 9.

The 10 Times Table — Stick a Zero On

The simplest of all. Just add a zero to the end. 6 × 10 = 60. Done.

The 4 Times Table — Double, Then Double Again

Already know your 2 times table? Good — the 4 times table is just doubling twice. Think of it like this: 4 bags of 6 sweets is the same as 2 bags of 12.

The 11 Times Table — Repeat the Digit

Up to 9, just write the digit twice: 11 × 3 = 33, 11 × 7 = 77. Beyond that: 11 × 12 — add the digits of 12 (1+2=3) and put it in the middle: 132.

The Hard Ones Everyone Forgets

Let's be honest — there are a few that trip everyone up. Here they are with memory tricks:

The Full 12 × 12 Grid

Here's the complete times table grid. Use it to check your answers or spot patterns.

Practice Questions