Maths skills for age 8
A clear guide to the main maths ideas children often meet around age 8, including 3 4 and 8 times tables, three-digit place value, column methods, fractions of amounts.
Quick answer
By the end of this page, you'll know how to multiply by 3, 4, and 8, understand three-digit numbers, use column methods for addition and subtraction, and find fractions of amounts – all skills you'll use in school and daily life.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to:- Know the 3, 4, and 8 times tables up to 12
- Read and write three-digit numbers
- Add and subtract using column methods
- Find fractions of amounts
- You can quickly recall 3, 4, and 8 times table facts
- You can read numbers like 345 as three hundred forty-five
- You can solve 456 + 234 using column addition
- You can find 1/4 of 12 or 3/4 of 20
Why this matters
These maths skills are like your superpowers for school and life. When you know your times tables, you can solve problems faster. Understanding three-digit numbers helps you read prices, times, and numbers in books. Column methods make big addition and subtraction easy. Finding fractions of amounts helps you share food, divide pocket money, or understand recipes.How it works
We’ll start with the 3, 4, and 8 times tables, then look at three-digit numbers, column addition and subtraction, and finally fractions of amounts. Each part builds on the last, so it’s like climbing a ladder – one step at a time.Examples you can see
Let’s begin with the 3 times table:| 3 times table | Answer |
|---|---|
| 0 x 3 | 0 |
| 1 x 3 | 3 |
| 2 x 3 | 6 |
| 3 x 3 | 9 |
| 4 x 3 | 12 |
| 5 x 3 | 15 |
| 6 x 3 | 18 |
| 7 x 3 | 21 |
| 8 x 3 | 24 |
| 9 x 3 | 27 |
| 10 x 3 | 30 |
| 11 x 3 | 33 |
| 12 x 3 | 36 |
| 4 times table | Answer |
|---|---|
| 0 x 4 | 0 |
| 1 x 4 | 4 |
| 2 x 4 | 8 |
| 3 x 4 | 12 |
| 4 x 4 | 16 |
| 5 x 4 | 20 |
| 6 x 4 | 24 |
| 7 x 4 | 28 |
| 8 x 4 | 32 |
| 9 x 4 | 36 |
| 10 x 4 | 40 |
| 11 x 4 | 44 |
| 12 x 4 | 48 |
| 8 times table | Answer |
|---|---|
| 0 x 8 | 0 |
| 1 x 8 | 8 |
| 2 x 8 | 16 |
| 3 x 8 | 24 |
| 4 x 8 | 32 |
| 5 x 8 | 40 |
| 6 x 8 | 48 |
| 7 x 8 | 56 |
| 8 x 8 | 64 |
| 9 x 8 | 72 |
| 10 x 8 | 80 |
| 11 x 8 | 88 |
| 12 x 8 | 96 |
- 3 hundreds
- 4 tens
- 5 ones
Example: 456 + 234
Write the numbers in columns:
4 5 6 + 2 3 4 -------
Add the ones: 6 + 4 = 10. Write 0, carry 1.
Add the tens: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9.
Add the hundreds: 4 + 2 = 6.
Answer: 690
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt. You need to collect 3, 4, and 8 coins each day for 12 days. How many coins will you have at the end?- Day 1: 3 coins
- Day 2: 6 coins
- Day 3: 9 coins
- Day 4: 12 coins
- Day 5: 15 coins
- Day 6: 18 coins
- Day 7: 21 coins
- Day 8: 24 coins
- Day 9: 27 coins
- Day 10: 30 coins
- Day 11: 33 coins
- Day 12: 36 coins
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x 3 = 0
Why it happens: Kids think 0 means "nothing", so they forget it's still 0.
Fix: Remember: 0 groups of anything is 0. - Mistake: Mixing up 3 x 4 and 4 x 3
Why it happens: The order can be confusing at first.
Fix: Remember: 3 x 4 = 12 and 4 x 3 = 12 – the answer is the same! - Mistake: Adding 10 + 10 = 20, but forgetting to carry when adding 9 + 9
Why it happens: Kids get confused with carrying numbers.
Fix: Always write the extra digit in the next column. - Mistake: Thinking 1/4 of 12 = 3, but 3 x 4 = 12
Why it happens: Kids confuse "of" with "times".
Fix: Remember: 1/4 of 12 means divide 12 by 4 = 3.
Parent and carer guide
Parents, here’s how to help your child with these maths skills:- Practice times tables daily for 5-10 minutes using flashcards or games
- Use real-life situations like counting eggs in cartons or sharing snacks
- Check column addition and subtraction with your child, helping them write numbers in the right columns
- Ask your child to explain how they solved a problem – this shows if they understand
- Be patient – it takes time to build confidence
Practice questions
- What is 7 x 3?
- What is 9 x 4?
- What is 6 x 8?
- Write 567 in words
- What is 345 + 678?
- What is 900 - 456?
- What is 1/3 of 18?
- What is 3/4 of 20?
- 21
- 36
- 48
- Five hundred sixty-seven
- 1023
- 444
- 6
- 15
FAQ
What is the best way to learn times tables?
Practice regularly with games, songs, and flashcards. Using real-life examples helps too!
Why do I need to know three-digit numbers?
Three-digit numbers help you read prices, times, and numbers in books and newspapers.
How can I help my child with column addition?
Make sure they line up the numbers correctly and show their working. Use visual aids like base ten blocks if needed.
What if my child is struggling with fractions?
Start with simple examples like sharing 4 cookies between 2 people. Use physical objects to show how fractions work.
How can I make learning fun?
Use games, puzzles, cooking, and everyday situations. For example, ask your child to calculate the total cost of items in a shop.