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9 times table tricks for kids
The 9s have the best tricks of any row, which makes them a confidence boost. Here are three. All of them work for 9 × 1 up to 9 × 10.
The finger trick. Hold up 10 fingers. For 9 × 4, fold down the 4th finger from the left. There are 3 fingers to the left (3 tens) and 6 to the right (6 ones), so 9 × 4 = 36.
The digit pattern and the tens method
- The digits add up to 9. The tens digit is one less than the number you multiply by. For 9 × 7, the tens digit is 6, and 6 plus 3 makes 9, so 9 × 7 = 63.
- Ten groups minus one group. 9 × 8 = 10 × 8 − 8 = 72. This one also works past 10: 9 × 12 = 120 − 12 = 108.
8 questions on the 9 times table
- 9 × 3 = ?
- 9 × 6 = ?
- 9 × 4 = ?
- 9 × 8 = ?
- 9 × 7 = ?
- 9 × 9 = ?
- 9 × 5 = ?
- 9 × 11 = ?
Show answers
- 9 × 3 = 27
- 9 × 6 = 54
- 9 × 4 = 36
- 9 × 8 = 72
- 9 × 7 = 63
- 9 × 9 = 81
- 9 × 5 = 45
- 9 × 11 = 99
Tips for parents
- Use the trick to work the fact out, then practice until the answer comes without it.
- The "10 minus 1" method is the one that keeps working for larger numbers.
- Check answers by adding the digits: for 9 × 1 to 9 × 10, they always make 9.
Questions parents ask
Does the 9 times table finger trick work for 9 × 11 and 9 × 12?
No. The finger trick and the digit pattern work up to 9 × 10. For 9 × 11 and 9 × 12, use ten groups minus one group.