X Tables
assessment

Mixed times table quizzes

Create quizzes that mix facts carefully, revisiting known facts and adding challenge.

Quick answer

Mixed times table quizzes are a great way to test how well you know your multiplication facts by mixing up the questions so you don’t know what’s coming next. This helps you remember your tables better and builds confidence.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to take mixed times table quizzes and understand why they help you learn your tables better.

Why this matters

Mixed times table quizzes help you remember your multiplication facts more easily because they don’t let you get used to one specific question. They mix up the numbers so you have to think harder and practice more. This is great for school, games, and everyday life.

How it works

A mixed times table quiz mixes up questions from different tables so you can’t predict what comes next. It might ask you:
  • 3 x 4
  • 7 x 5
  • 9 x 2
  • 6 x 8
  • 11 x 3
This means you have to remember all your tables, not just one or two. The more you mix them up, the better you get at recalling the facts quickly.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few examples of how mixed quizzes work: Example 1: A simple mixed quiz
  • 5 x 6 = ?
  • 4 x 7 = ?
  • 8 x 3 = ?
  • 9 x 4 = ?
  • 2 x 9 = ?
Example 2: A more challenging mixed quiz
  • 12 x 5 = ?
  • 3 x 11 = ?
  • 7 x 9 = ?
  • 10 x 6 = ?
  • 1 x 8 = ?
These questions mix up the tables you know, so you have to use your brain to figure out the answers. Real-world example: Shopping with multiplication Imagine you're at the shop and you buy 4 packets of stickers, and each packet costs 6p. You need to work out how much you spend. This is 4 x 6 = 24p. But if you're buying different things, like 3 toys at 7p each and 5 pencils at 4p each, you need to use different tables and add them up. This is like a mini mixed quiz!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Multiplication Maze You are on a treasure hunt and need to solve multiplication puzzles to find the treasure. Each puzzle gives you a mixed question: 1st time: 6 x 7 = ? 2nd time: 3 x 9 = ? 3rd time: 8 x 4 = ? 4th time: 5 x 11 = ? 5th time: 12 x 3 = ? Solve each one to move forward. Can you find the treasure?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 6 x 7 = 42, but getting confused with 6 x 8 = 48.
    Why it happens: When you’re trying to remember facts, it's easy to mix up similar answers.
    Fix: Use repeated addition or skip counting to check your answer. For 6 x 7, count by 6s seven times: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42.
  • Mistake: Not reading the question carefully.
    Why it happens: You might see 7 x 4 and think it's 7 x 5.
    Fix: Read the question twice and write the numbers down to help you.
  • Mistake: Getting nervous and guessing.
    Why it happens: When you're unsure, it's easy to pick a number that seems close.
    Fix: Take a deep breath, count on your fingers, or draw an array to help you.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Setting up a few mixed quizzes at home using flashcards or online tools.
  • Practising with your child by asking mixed questions in daily life, like “If you have 3 boxes with 4 toys in each, how many toys are there?”
  • Encouraging your child to take their time and not rush through the questions.
  • Helping them check their answers with simple methods like counting or drawing.
  • Reassuring them that it's okay to make mistakes – it's how we learn!

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 x 8?
  2. What is 9 x 3?
  3. What is 7 x 6?
  4. What is 11 x 2?
  5. What is 5 x 12?
Answers:
  1. 32
  2. 27
  3. 42
  4. 22
  5. 60

FAQ

What is a mixed times table quiz?

A mixed times table quiz is a set of multiplication questions that mix up different tables so you can't predict what comes next. It helps you practice all your tables at once.

Why are mixed quizzes better than regular ones?

Mixed quizzes help you remember your tables better because they challenge you to think harder and use different facts. This makes your brain stronger at recalling multiplication facts.

How can I make my own mixed quiz?

You can make your own mixed quiz by writing down questions from different tables. For example, mix 3 x 4, 5 x 6, and 7 x 2 on one page.

Can I use mixed quizzes for all ages?

Yes! Mixed quizzes are great for all ages. They help younger children practice, and older children can use them to challenge themselves with harder facts.

How often should I practice with mixed quizzes?

Practising a few times a week is great. You can do a short quiz each day or a longer one once a week to see how you're improving.