Learning Times Tables
Times tables are an integral part to much of the mathematics curriculum; and it is essential
that children learn both multiplication and division facts for all tables up to 12x12:
Y2
2, 5 and 10 times tables
Y3
3, 4 and 8 times tables
Y4
6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 times tables
Children are expected to know these facts inside out and upside down. They should be able
to apply their knowledge to solve calculations such as 60 x 3, 6 x 30, 60 x 30… Of course,
ideally, you will be able to recall these facts instantly, but don’t panic – you can always work
them out if you need to.
• Remember to learn the related division facts at the same time as multiplication facts;
• For multiplication tables up to 10, use ‘The 21 Facts’ sheet to see which facts you
need to learn. (This assumes knowledge of the 2, 5 and 10 tables and doesn’t include
10, 11 and 12 times tables.);
• Use what you know! If you know your 2 times tables, you can double the answers to
work out the 4 times tables. Which other tables does this work for?
• Use your addition skills to work out tables you don’t know – if you don’t know 6x6,
work out 5x6 and add 6;
• The 11 times table is easy – just check you learn 11x11 and 11x12;
• You can always work out the 12 times table by adding 10 times to 2 times the
number.
Some suggestions for how to learn these multiplication and
division facts:
1. Write questions and answers on cards – turn them over and play pairs;
2. Sort the answer cards into order with both hands – how quickly can you do it?
3. Have the answer cards laid out in order – take one away – which one has gone? Take
more than one away at a time;
4. Key pad times tables. Say the times table you are practising in order
and find the pattern that the units digit in the answer makes. It might
help to colour odd and even digits in with different colours;
5. Learn some of the trickier tables answer off by heart, e.g. for 7x8 think of the
numbers in order – 5 6 7 8 and you have the calculation 56 = 7x8. The 7, 9 and 12
times tables are harder as they aren’t just doubles of the easier tables;
6. Create a chatterbox/fortune teller to make asking and
answering questions more fun!
7. Draw pictures of arrays or set out lego bricks or spoons or
anything to show the calculations;
8. Learn to use a multiplication square to help find the answers to times table facts you
are learning…
Some good online games and apps:
Perfect Times Tables (£1.49)
Squeebles (£2.99);
Moon Maths Tables http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/moonmaths.swf;
Top Marks – Hit the Button (http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-thebutton;
• Mathletics;
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Times tables: the 21 facts*
1
2
3
4
5
1×1=1
1×2=2
1×3=3
1×4=4
1×5=5
1×6=6
1×7=7
1×8=8
1×9=9
2×2=4
2×3=6
2×4=8
2×5=10
2×6=12
2×7=14
2×8=16
2×9=18
3×3=9 4×4=16 5×5=25
3×4=12 4×5=20 5×6=30
3×5=15 4×6=24 5×7=35
3×6=18 4×7=28 5×8=40
3×7=21 4×8=32 5×9=45
3×8=24 4×9=36
3×9=27
6
7
8
9
6×6=36
6×7=42
6×8=48
6×9=54
7×7=49
7×8=56
7×9=63
8×8=64
8×9=72
9×9=81