X Tables
Age Guides

Age 8 guide to 3 4 and 8 times tables

Age-appropriate activities, explanations and practice ideas for 3 4 and 8 times tables.

Quick answer

By the end of this page, you'll know your 3, 4, and 8 times tables and how to use them in real life.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply by 3, 4, and 8 using repeated addition, arrays, and skip counting, and you will understand how these multiplication facts help you solve everyday problems. Success signs:
  • You can count in 3s, 4s, and 8s up to 12 times.
  • You can solve multiplication problems using groups or arrays.
  • You can find the answer to 3 x 8, 4 x 7, and 8 x 9 without counting.
  • You can use multiplication to solve a problem like sharing or grouping items.

Why this matters

Multiplication helps you solve problems quickly. When you know your 3, 4, and 8 times tables, you can:
  • Share snacks equally among friends
  • Count how many legs are in a group of animals
  • Work out how long a journey will take
  • Play games that involve scoring points
  • Help your parents with shopping or cooking
Multiplication is also the foundation for bigger maths later, like division, fractions, and algebra.

How it works

Multiplication is like repeated addition. If you have 3 groups of 4 apples, that’s 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 apples. We write this as 3 x 4 = 12. We can also use arrays – rows and columns of objects – to show multiplication. Skip counting helps us learn our tables quickly:
  • Counting in 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36
  • Counting in 4s: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48
  • Counting in 8s: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96

Examples you can see

Let’s start with 3 times table: 3 times table
3 x 03 x 13 x 23 x 33 x 43 x 5
03691215
3 times table (continued)
3 x 63 x 73 x 83 x 93 x 103 x 11
182124273033
3 times table (final)
3 x 12
36
Now let’s look at 4 times table: 4 times table
4 x 04 x 14 x 24 x 34 x 44 x 5
048121620
4 times table (continued)
4 x 64 x 74 x 84 x 94 x 104 x 11
242832364044
4 times table (final)
4 x 12
48
And finally, the 8 times table: 8 times table
8 x 08 x 18 x 28 x 38 x 48 x 5
0816243240
8 times table (continued)
8 x 68 x 78 x 88 x 98 x 108 x 11
485664728088
8 times table (final)
8 x 12
96

Try it as a mini adventure

You are a space explorer on a mission to collect energy crystals. Each crystal is worth 3, 4, or 8 points. You need to collect exactly 24 points to power your ship. Challenge 1: How many 3-point crystals do you need? Answer: 24 ÷ 3 = 8 crystals Challenge 2: How many 4-point crystals do you need? Answer: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 crystals Challenge 3: How many 8-point crystals do you need? Answer: 24 ÷ 8 = 3 crystals Now, if you have 5 crystals of 3 points each, how many points do you have? Answer: 5 x 3 = 15 points If you have 6 crystals of 4 points each, how many points do you have? Answer: 6 x 4 = 24 points If you have 3 crystals of 8 points each, how many points do you have? Answer: 3 x 8 = 24 points

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 3 x 4 = 12, but confusing it with 3 + 4 = 7 Why it happens: Mixing up addition and multiplication Fix: Remember multiplication is repeated addition. 3 x 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
  • Mistake: Counting in 4s but missing 16 or 20 Why it happens: Not using skip counting regularly Fix: Practice counting in 4s with fingers or objects
  • Mistake: Thinking 8 x 7 = 54 Why it happens: Confusing 8 x 7 with 8 x 6 Fix: Use the pattern: 8 x 6 = 48, so 8 x 7 = 48 + 8 = 56
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x any number = 0 Why it happens: Not thinking about "no groups" Fix: Remember, if you have 0 groups of 5, you have 0 items

Parent and carer guide

To help your child with these tables:
  • Use everyday objects like toys, pasta, or coins to make groups
  • Practice skip counting together using songs or clapping
  • Ask your child to explain how they know 6 x 4 = 24
  • Play games like multiplication bingo or flashcards
  • Don’t worry if they forget – repetition helps
Spending 5-10 minutes a day with your child can make a big difference. Try:
  • Counting in 3s, 4s, and 8s while walking
  • Making arrays with LEGO or blocks
  • Using the kitchen to share food equally

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 x 7? Answer: 21
  2. What is 4 x 9? Answer: 36
  3. What is 8 x 5? Answer: 40
  4. How many legs do 6 cats have? Answer: 6 x 4 = 24 legs
  5. If you have 4 boxes with 3 toys each, how many toys do you have? Answer: 4 x 3 = 12 toys
  6. What is 3 x 12? Answer: 36
  7. What is 4 x 11? Answer: 44
  8. What is 8 x 9? Answer: 72
  9. How many wheels are on 7 cars? Answer: 7 x 4 = 28 wheels
  10. If you collect 8 points each time you play a game, how many points do you have after 6 games? Answer: 6 x 8 = 48 points

FAQ

What is the easiest way to learn my 3, 4, and 8 times tables?

Start with skip counting, then use arrays or groups of objects. Practice regularly and use games to make it fun.

How can I remember 8 x 7?

Think of 8 x 6 = 48. Then add 8 more to get 56.

Why is it important to know these tables?

Knowing your tables helps you solve problems quickly, like sharing food or working out how long a trip will take.

What if I get confused between 3 and 4 times tables?

Practice each one separately. Use different objects or colours to help you tell them apart.

Can I use multiplication to help with division?

Yes! If you know 4 x 6 = 24, then 24 ÷ 4 = 6 and 24 ÷ 6 = 4.