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Multiplication tricks for kids, one for every row
The best multiplication tricks aren't magic. They turn a fact your child doesn't know into facts they already do. That makes them reliable, and they keep working when the numbers get bigger.
Use a trick to work out a fact at first. Then practice until the answer comes without it.
A trick for each times table
- 2s: double it. 2 × 8 = 8 + 8 = 16.
- 4s: double, then double again. 4 × 7 = 2 × 14 = 28.
- 5s: half of ten. 5 × 8 = 80 ÷ 2 = 40.
- 6s: five groups plus one more. 6 × 8 = 40 + 8 = 48.
- 8s: double three times. 7, then 14, then 28, then 56. So 8 × 7 = 56.
- 9s: ten groups minus one group. 9 × 7 = 70 − 7 = 63.
- 11s (up to 11 × 9): repeat the digit. 11 × 6 = 66.
- 12s: tens plus twos. 12 × 7 = 70 + 14 = 84.
8 questions, try a trick on each
- 2 × 9 = ?
- 4 × 6 = ?
- 5 × 7 = ?
- 6 × 9 = ?
- 8 × 6 = ?
- 9 × 8 = ?
- 11 × 4 = ?
- 12 × 6 = ?
Show answers
- 2 × 9 = 18
- 4 × 6 = 24
- 5 × 7 = 35
- 6 × 9 = 54
- 8 × 6 = 48
- 9 × 8 = 72
- 11 × 4 = 44
- 12 × 6 = 72
Tips for parents
- Teach one trick at a time and practice it for a few days.
- The 7s have no neat trick. Use "5 groups plus 2 groups": 7 × 6 = 30 + 12 = 42.
- Ask your child to explain why a trick works. If they can, they'll remember it.
Questions parents ask
What is the easiest multiplication trick?
Doubling. The 2s are doubles, the 4s are doubles of doubles, and the 8s are one more double. Children who can double quickly find all three rows much easier.