Learning Times Tables: A Friendly Step by Step Guide
Times tables open the door to fractions, division, algebra and everyday calculations. The good news is that learning them can be calm and enjoyable when you follow a sensible order and practise a little each day.
Follow an gentle to advanced order
Start with the tables that have clear patterns, then build up to the bigger ones.
- Tens: add a zero. 10 times 8 is 80.
- Twos: double the number. 2 times 7 is 14.
- Fives: the answers end in 0 or 5, and they match the minutes on a clock face.
- Fours: double, then double again. 4 times 6 means 6, 12, 24.
- Threes, sixes and nines come next, followed by sevens and eights.
Use the swap rule to halve the work
Multiplication works in both directions: 3 times 8 gives the same answer as 8 times 3. Once you know 3 times 8 equals 24, you also know 8 times 3. This means that by the time you reach the sevens, you already know 7 times 2, 7 times 3, 7 times 4, 7 times 5 and 7 times 6 from earlier tables. Only a handful of new facts remain, with 7 times 8 equals 56 being a favourite to chant.
Spot patterns in the nines
The digits of each answer in the 9 times table add up to 9: 18, 27, 36, 45 and so on. The tens digit goes up by one each step while the ones digit goes down by one. Spotting this makes the nines a joy to learn.
Connect multiplication and division
Every multiplication fact comes with a division partner. Knowing 6 times 7 equals 42 means you also know 42 divided by 6 equals 7 and 42 divided by 7 equals 6. Practise both directions together so each fact is learned as a small family of numbers.
Little and often beats long and rare
Five to ten minutes a day is a wonderful target. Choose one table, recite it, then test a few facts in random order. Random order matters because it checks that the answers are truly remembered, rather than recited as a song.
Make practice playful
Games keep motivation high. In Multiplication Master you see an equation board, for example 6 × 7 = 42, and tap numbers to complete it. Easy levels use smaller number ranges so you can build confidence, and a star rating shows how well you did on each level. Because you earn stars by scoring, replaying a level to beat your own result is a natural way to practise the same facts again.
The game also has timed levels lasting three minutes, which suit learners who enjoy a challenge, and levels with a set number of equations for those who prefer a steady pace. Pick whichever style matches your mood.
Celebrate progress
Keep a simple chart of tables you have mastered and colour one in whenever you feel confident. Praise effort and improvement, and revisit earlier tables occasionally so they stay fresh.
When you are ready for some practice, play Multiplication Master for free. It runs in your browser, so you can start right away on a phone, tablet or computer.