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7 times table practice that actually sticks
The 7 times table has a reputation for being the hardest row. There's no neat digit pattern like the 9s or 5s, and facts such as 7 × 6, 7 × 7 and 7 × 8 come up all the time in later math.
It helps to notice that your child only has a few truly new facts to learn. By the time they reach the 7s, they already know 7 × 2, 7 × 5 and 7 × 10 from other rows. Here's the full row:
The 7 times table
- 7 × 1 = 7
- 7 × 2 = 14
- 7 × 3 = 21
- 7 × 4 = 28
- 7 × 5 = 35
- 7 × 6 = 42
- 7 × 7 = 49
- 7 × 8 = 56
- 7 × 9 = 63
- 7 × 10 = 70
- 7 × 11 = 77
- 7 × 12 = 84
Ways to work out the tricky 7s
- Split into 5 and 2. 7 × 6 = 5 × 6 + 2 × 6, which is 30 + 12 = 42.
- Count in order. 5, 6, 7, 8: 56 = 7 × 8.
- Square, then adjust. If your child knows 7 × 7 = 49, then 7 × 8 = 49 + 7 = 56.
8 questions on the 7 times table
- 7 × 3 = ?
- 7 × 6 = ?
- 7 × 8 = ?
- 7 × 4 = ?
- 7 × 9 = ?
- 7 × 7 = ?
- 7 × 12 = ?
- 7 × 11 = ?
Show answers
- 7 × 3 = 21
- 7 × 6 = 42
- 7 × 8 = 56
- 7 × 4 = 28
- 7 × 9 = 63
- 7 × 7 = 49
- 7 × 12 = 84
- 7 × 11 = 77
Tips for parents
- Learn 7 × 6, 7 × 7 and 7 × 8 first. They're the ones that come up most and get missed most.
- Write each missed fact on a card with its strategy on the back.
- Practice a few facts each day and review yesterday's facts before adding new ones.
Questions parents ask
Why is the 7 times table so hard?
It has no easy digit pattern, and its facts sit among the larger products. Breaking each fact into 5 groups and 2 groups gives children a reliable way in.