8 times table games with dice and cards

Quick answer

8 times table games with dice and cards are fun, hands-on ways to learn and remember the multiplication facts from 0 x 8 to 12 x 8. These games use simple materials like dice, playing cards, counters, and timers to make learning exciting and effective.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to quickly recall the 8 times table facts and use them in games and real-life situations.

• You can say the 8 times table from 0 to 12 out loud
• You can solve 8 times table problems using objects or drawings
• You can play a game using dice and cards to practice 8 times table facts
• You can use 8 times table facts to solve simple problems

Why this matters

Knowing your 8 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. It’s useful in games, cooking, shopping, and even when you're helping your parent/carer with money. The 8 times table is part of the foundation for learning more advanced maths like fractions, area, and algebra later on.

How it works

Learning the 8 times table means knowing how many groups of 8 there are in different numbers. For example, 3 x 8 means 3 groups of 8 things. You can think of it as:

1. Adding 8 three times: 8 + 8 + 8 = 24
2. Counting in 8s: 8, 16, 24
3. Using a visual array: 3 rows of 8 dots

When you practice with dice and cards, you're making the numbers real and fun to work with.

Examples you can see

Here is the full 8 times table from 0 to 12:

Let’s look at a few examples:

• 5 × 8 = 40 (5 groups of 8 = 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 40)
• 8 × 3 = 24 (3 groups of 8 = 8 + 8 + 8 = 24)
• 12 × 8 = 96 (12 groups of 8 = 8 × 10 + 8 × 2 = 80 + 16 = 96)

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect 8 energy crystals for each planet you visit. You need to count how many crystals you collect in total for 12 planets. You collect 8 crystals for each planet. How many crystals do you have in total?

Let’s work it out:

1. Planet 1: 8 crystals
2. Planet 2: 8 more crystals (total = 16)
3. Planet 3: 8 more crystals (total = 24)
4. Planet 4: 8 more crystals (total = 32)
5. Planet 5: 8 more crystals (total = 40)
6. Planet 6: 8 more crystals (total = 48)
7. Planet 7: 8 more crystals (total = 56)
8. Planet 8: 8 more crystals (total = 64)
9. Planet 9: 8 more crystals (total = 72)
10. Planet 10: 8 more crystals (total = 80)
11. Planet 11: 8 more crystals (total = 88)
12. Planet 12: 8 more crystals (total = 96)

You collected 96 energy crystals in total!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 8 × 8 = 64, but forgetting that 8 × 8 = 64.
  Why it happens: Confusing 8 × 8 with 8 + 8 = 16 or 8 × 2 = 16.
  Fix: Use a visual array or repeated addition to check: 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 64.
• Mistake: Counting by 8s but skipping numbers.
  Why it happens: Not staying focused or using a rhythm.
  Fix: Practice counting aloud in 8s with a timer or clapping rhythm.
• Mistake: Mixing up 8 × 7 and 8 × 8.
  Why it happens: Similar sounds or writing numbers close together.
  Fix: Use flashcards or a game to practice each fact separately.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help by:

1. Playing the games with your child regularly for 10–15 minutes
2. Encouraging your child to say the 8 times table out loud
3. Using real-life examples like counting legs on 5 spiders (5 × 8 = 40 legs)
4. Reinforcing that 8 × 0 = 0 by saying “0 groups of 8 is 0”
5. Letting your child win sometimes to build confidence

Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes — they are learning! Keep the games fun and positive.

Practice questions

1. What is 8 × 4?
2. How many legs do 6 tables have if each table has 8 legs?
3. What is 8 × 11?
4. What is 8 × 0?
5. How many minutes are in 8 hours?

Answers:

1. 32
2. 48 legs
3. 88
4. 0
5. 480 minutes

FAQ

What materials do I need to play 8 times table games?

You can use dice, playing cards, counters, or even a timer. Any simple items that are safe and easy to handle work well.

How can I make 8 times table games more fun?

Turn the games into a race, a story, or a challenge. You can use music, timers, or small rewards to make it exciting.

Can I use 8 times table games for younger children?

Yes! You can start with 0 to 5 times table facts and build up. For younger kids, focus on repeated addition or drawing groups of 8.

Why is it important to learn the 8 times table?

Knowing the 8 times table helps with division, fractions, and problem-solving. It’s also useful in everyday life like counting items or measuring time.

How can I check if my child knows the 8 times table?

Ask them to say the 8 times table out loud, or give them a few quick questions. You can also use flashcards or a simple quiz game.