Times tables worksheets

A sensible learning order

Most children find the tables easiest in this order: 10, 2 and 5 first, because they follow simple counting patterns; then 3, 4 and 8, where the 4s are double the 2s and the 8s are double the 4s; then 6, 9, 11 and 12; and finally 7, which has no shortcut of its own but by then only a few new facts are left. In England, Year 2 usually covers 2, 5 and 10, Year 3 adds 3, 4 and 8, and Year 4 completes everything to 12 × 12.

Remember that every fact has a partner. Once a child knows 3 × 8 = 24, they also know 8 × 3. Seen this way, the 144 facts on a 12 × 12 grid shrink to 78 different pairs, and many of those are already covered by the 1, 2, 5 and 10 tables.

The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

Schools in England give Year 4 pupils the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), usually in June. It is an online check of 25 multiplication questions covering tables up to 12 × 12, with 6 seconds to answer each one. There is no pass mark; schools use the results to see who needs more support.

Six seconds is enough to recall a fact but not to count up in steps, so practice for the MTC should build instant recall. Speed comes after accuracy: a child who answers slowly but correctly is ready to start timing, while one who guesses quickly needs more untimed work first.

Patterns and tricks for the 9s

• The tens digit goes up by one and the ones digit goes down by one: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90.
• The digits of each answer up to 9 × 10 add to 9 (for example 6 × 9 = 54, and 5 + 4 = 9).
• Times by 10, then take one lot away: 9 × 7 = 70 − 7 = 63.
• The finger method: hold up ten fingers, fold down the seventh for 9 × 7, and read 6 fingers on the left and 3 on the right: 63.

Patterns and tricks for the 11s

• From 1 × 11 to 9 × 11 the digit repeats: 11, 22, 33 … 99.
• 10 × 11 = 110, 11 × 11 = 121 and 12 × 11 = 132 are worth learning as a trio.
• For 11 × 12, think 12 × 10 + 12 = 132.

Practice routines that work

1. Pick one table with the picker and print the sheet. Say the table aloud in order first.
2. Next day, print the same table again; the questions come in mixed order, so the child cannot just count on.
3. Once one table is secure, switch to Mixed and add it to the ones already known.
4. Use the blank 12 × 12 grid once a week: fill in what you know, then the answer key shows the gaps.
5. Keep sessions to five or ten minutes. Little and often beats a long weekend session.