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Tricks for every times table
One friendly trick or pattern for each table from ×2 to ×12 — use them as scaffolding while a table is new, then drill until recall is automatic.
Every times table has a pattern that makes it easier: ×2 is doubling, ×4 is double-double, ×5 ends in 0 or 5, ×9's digits add to 9, ×10 adds a zero, and ×11 repeats the digit. The ×7 table has the fewest shortcuts, so it rewards practice most. Tricks help a child reach the answer while the fact is still new — the goal is fast recall without working it out.
Key takeaways
- Doubling family: ×2 doubles, ×4 doubles twice, ×8 doubles three times.
- ×5 and ×10 have the clearest patterns — learn them early.
- ×9 has a finger trick and a digit-sum of 9.
- ×7 needs the most practice — anchor 7 × 7 = 49 and 7 × 8 = 56.
- Tricks are scaffolding, not a substitute for recall.
A trick for each table
Tap any table to practise it straight away — the quiz opens preset to that number.
| Table | The trick |
|---|---|
| ×2 | Just double the number — add it to itself. Every answer is even (ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8). |
| ×3 | The digits of every answer add up to a multiple of 3 (24 → 2 + 4 = 6). Count up in 3s to feel the rhythm. |
| ×4 | Double, then double again. 4 × 7 is 7 doubled (14) doubled (28). |
| ×5 | Every answer ends in 0 or 5, and 5 × n is half of 10 × n. Think of the minutes on a clock face. |
| ×6 | Build on the fives you know: 6 × n = (5 × n) + n. And 6 × an even number ends in that even digit. |
| ×7 | The 7s have the fewest shortcuts, so they reward practice most. Anchor on "5, 6, 7, 8": 7 × 7 = 49, 7 × 8 = 56. |
| ×8 | Double-double-double. The last digits cycle neatly: 8, 6, 4, 2, 0. |
| ×9 | The answer's digits always add to 9 (9 × 4 = 36 → 3 + 6 = 9). Finger trick: fold down the nth finger to read tens and ones. |
| ×10 | The easiest of all — write the number and add a zero. 10 × 6 = 60. |
| ×11 | For 11 × 1 to 11 × 9, repeat the digit: 11 × 4 = 44. The pattern shifts from 11 × 10, so practise those. |
| ×12 | Split it: 12 × n = (10 × n) + (2 × n). For 12 × 7, that's 70 + 14 = 84. |
The doubling family
Three tables share one idea, so learning one helps the others. ×2 is a single double. ×4 is double-double (4 × 6 = 6 → 12 → 24). ×8 is double-double-double (8 × 6 = 6 → 12 → 24 → 48). If your child can double confidently, half the tables are already within reach.
Turn tricks into recall
A trick is a bridge to the answer, but the destination is automatic recall. Once your child can use a trick reliably, switch to short rounds on the practice tool or a quick flashcard drill, where the aim is to answer before they'd have time to work it out. That's the moment the fact has truly stuck.
Frequently asked questions
What is the finger trick for the 9 times table?
Hold up all ten fingers. To work out 9 × n, fold down the nth finger from the left: the fingers to its left are the tens, and the fingers to its right are the ones. For 9 × 4, fold the 4th finger — 3 fingers left (30) and 6 right (6) gives 36. Drill it on the 9 times table page.
Which times table is the hardest, and is there a trick?
The 7 times table is often called the hardest because it has the fewest neat patterns. The best approach is simply more practice on the 7 times table, plus anchoring the tricky ones: 7 × 7 = 49 and 7 × 8 = 56 (remember "5, 6, 7, 8").
Do tricks replace learning the facts?
No — tricks are scaffolding. They help a child reach the right answer while the fact is still new, but the goal is automatic recall without working it out. Use the trick to get started, then drill until the answer comes instantly.
Sources & basis: the patterns above (digit sums, the 9s finger trick, doubling chains) are standard primary-maths mnemonics. All products are mathematical facts. Use tricks as a stepping stone toward unaided recall.
Last reviewed 2026-06-28