1 times table quick recall challenge

Quick answer

You can learn your 1 times table facts quickly by practising them regularly and using tricks like counting on your fingers or recognising that multiplying by 1 always gives the same number.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know all the 1 times table facts from 0 × 1 to 12 × 1 and be able to say them quickly without thinking.

• You can say the 1 times table facts from 0 × 1 to 12 × 1 from memory
• You can solve 1 times table problems quickly
• You understand that multiplying by 1 always gives the same number
• You can use your 1 times table to help with bigger maths problems

Why this matters

Learning your 1 times table facts quickly helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. When you know that 1 × 7 = 7, you can use that to help with 1 × 70 or 1 × 700. It also helps you feel confident in maths, so you don’t get stuck when your teacher asks you to multiply by 1. Even grown-ups use this maths every day, like when they count how many apples they have in one bag or how many people are in one row at a football match.

How it works

When you multiply any number by 1, you get that same number. This is called the "one times table rule". Here’s how it works:

1. Think of a number, like 5
2. Multiply it by 1: 5 × 1 = 5
3. Try with other numbers: 10 × 1 = 10, 3 × 1 = 3, 100 × 1 = 100
4. Notice that no matter what number you start with, the answer is always the same number

This is easy to remember because it’s like looking in a mirror – you always see the same number back!

Examples you can see

Here are all the facts in the 1 times table:

These facts are simple because multiplying by 1 is like adding zero groups or one big group of that number. If you have 6 apples and you multiply by 1, you still have 6 apples – just one group of 6!

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are on a treasure hunt! You have to collect 1 coin from each of 12 treasure chests. How many coins do you have in total?

• 1st chest: 1 coin
• 2nd chest: 1 coin
• 3rd chest: 1 coin
• 4th chest: 1 coin
• 5th chest: 1 coin
• 6th chest: 1 coin
• 7th chest: 1 coin
• 8th chest: 1 coin
• 9th chest: 1 coin
• 10th chest: 1 coin
• 11th chest: 1 coin
• 12th chest: 1 coin

Count them all: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12 coins

Or use your 1 times table: 12 × 1 = 12 coins

Now you know that 12 × 1 = 12, and you’ve helped your treasure map!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 1 × 1 = 2 or 1 × 1 = 11
• Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition or not remembering the simple rule
• Fix: Remember that multiplying by 1 means you have one group of that number, so 1 × 1 = 1

• Mistake: Forgetting that 0 × 1 = 0
• Why it happens: Thinking that 0 is a special number and not following the rule
• Fix: Remember that zero groups of any number is still zero, so 0 × 1 = 0

• Mistake: Mixing up 1 × 1 = 1 and 1 + 1 = 2
• Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition
• Fix: Practice saying "1 group of 5 is 5" instead of "5 plus 5 is 10"

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 1 times table is easy, but practice helps! Here’s how you can help your child:

• Use flashcards to play a quick game – say 1 × 7 and let them answer
• Ask your child to count in ones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Use everyday items like apples, blocks, or toys to show groups of 1
• Repeat the facts together – it helps with memory
• Don’t worry if they get it wrong – just say it again and try again
• Try to make it fun with a game or song

Remember, your child is learning, not competing. Keep it light and positive!

Practice questions

1. What is 5 × 1?
2. What is 0 × 1?
3. What is 12 × 1?
4. What is 1 × 1?
5. What is 8 × 1?
6. What is 3 × 1?
7. What is 10 × 1?
8. What is 1 × 6?
9. What is 9 × 1?
10. What is 11 × 1?

Answers:

1. 5
2. 0
3. 12
4. 1
5. 8
6. 3
7. 10
8. 6
9. 9
10. 11

FAQ

Q: Why is multiplying by 1 so easy?

A: Because multiplying by 1 means you have one group of that number, so the answer is always the same number. It’s like looking in a mirror!

Q: Can I use the 1 times table to help with other maths?

A: Yes! If you know 1 × 7 = 7, you can also know 1 × 70 = 70 or 1 × 700 = 700. It helps with bigger problems.

Q: What if I forget a fact?

A: That’s okay! Just remember that multiplying by 1 means you have one group, so the answer is the same number. You can count on your fingers or use a number line.

Q: Is the 1 times table the same as adding?

A: No, they are different. Adding 1 + 1 = 2, but multiplying 1 × 1 = 1. Multiplication is about groups, not adding numbers together.

Q: How can I make learning the 1 times table fun?

A: Try singing the facts, playing a quick game, or using toys or blocks to show one group of different numbers. You can also make up a story with your 1 times table facts!