Times Tables Tips and Tricks
A complete guide to times table tricks: the 9× finger method, doubling for 2×/4×/8×, digit-sum patterns, and more. Make multiplication easier with these proven techniques.
The Golden Rule: Start Easy, Build Up
Don't try to learn all times tables at once. Follow the curriculum order that schools use, which is based on research into what's easiest for children. Check our difficulty levels page for the full breakdown.
Start with the Easy tier: 1× table, 2× table, 5× table, 10× table, 11× table. Then move to Medium: 3× table, 4× table, 9× table. Save the hard ones (6× table, 7× table, 8× table, 12× table) for last.
Tricks by Table
2× — Double it
Just add the number to itself. 2 × 8 = 8 + 8 = 16.
4× — Double the double
4 × 7 = 2 × (2 × 7) = 2 × 14 = 28. If you know 2×, you know 4×.
8× — Double, double, double
8 × 6 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 6 = 48. The doubling chain works all the way.
5× — Halve and add zero
For even numbers: 5 × 8 → half of 8 is 4 → add zero → 40. For odd: 5 × 7 = 35 (always ends in 5).
9× — Digit sum trick
The digits of any 9× answer add up to 9. And the finger trick: hold up 10 fingers, put down finger #N, read the answer. 9 × 4: put down finger 4, get 3 and 6 = 36.
11× — Repeat the digit (up to 9)
11 × 3 = 33, 11 × 7 = 77. Simple!
Practice Makes Permanent
Tricks get you started, but fluency comes from practice. Short, daily sessions work better than long, occasional ones. Try the Practice Mode for focused single-table drilling, or the 5-Minute Grid Game for a broader challenge. Browse all tables on our times tables page.
Ready to practise?
Put these tips into action — start a game or drill a specific table.