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Maths History

Multiplication tables around the world

Compare ways different cultures practise facts, from chanting to abacus methods.

Quick answer

Multiplication tables are used all over the world, but different cultures have their own special ways of learning and remembering them – from chanting in China to using an abacus in Japan.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how different cultures learn multiplication tables and how you can try their fun methods to help you remember your times tables.

Why this matters

Learning multiplication tables helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. It’s useful in school, games, and everyday life. Knowing how other people learn can help you find new and exciting ways to practice your tables, making learning more fun and effective.

How it works

Multiplication is about grouping things equally. For example, if you have 3 groups of 4 apples, you have 12 apples in total. Different cultures have used different tools and methods to help children learn these groupings, from writing tables to using fingers, abacuses, and even songs.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how multiplication is taught in different countries. China In China, children learn tables through chanting. They often sing multiplication facts to music. For example:
  • 2 × 3 = 6
  • 3 × 4 = 12
  • 4 × 5 = 20
Japan In Japan, children use an abacus – a tool with beads that helps them count and multiply. Each row of beads can represent numbers, and moving them helps children understand how multiplication works. India In India, children learn tables through rhymes and games. They often play multiplication games using dice or cards. United States In the USA, children often use flashcards and online games. They also use arrays – like rows and columns of objects – to show multiplication visually. United Kingdom In the UK, children learn tables through repetition, songs, and practice tests. They also use tools like number lines and counting sticks.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s imagine you are a young explorer in a faraway land. You find a magical book that teaches multiplication in a new way. First stop: The Land of Chants In this land, you must learn the 5 times table by chanting it out loud. You say:
  • 5 × 1 = 5
  • 5 × 2 = 10
  • 5 × 3 = 15
  • 5 × 4 = 20
  • 5 × 5 = 25
Second stop: The Abacus Kingdom In this land, you get to use an abacus. You move beads to show 3 groups of 4. You count the beads and see that 3 × 4 = 12. Third stop: The Rhyme Forest In this forest, you learn a fun rhyme:
  • “Six times seven is forty-two, I know it well, it’s true!”
Final stop: The Game Garden In this garden, you play a game with dice. You roll two dice and multiply the numbers. If you roll a 3 and a 4, you calculate 3 × 4 = 12. You’ve now learned multiplication in three different ways – by chanting, using an abacus, and through a rhyme and a game.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 0 × 7 = 7
    Why it happens: Children may confuse multiplication with addition.
    Fix: Remember that multiplying by 0 means no groups at all – so 0 × 7 = 0.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 6 × 7 and 7 × 6
    Why it happens: The order of numbers can seem confusing.
    Fix: Remember that 6 × 7 = 42 and 7 × 6 = 42 – the order doesn’t matter!
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 1 × anything = itself
    Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when the numbers are small.
    Fix: Remember that 1 × 8 = 8 – one group of 8 is just 8.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to try different ways of learning tables, like chanting or using an abacus.
  • Playing multiplication games at home using dice or cards.
  • Using real-life examples like counting apples or slices of pizza to show multiplication.
  • Practising regularly but not making it feel like a chore – keep it fun!
  • Helping children understand that it’s okay to make mistakes – they help us learn.

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 × 6?
    Answer: 24
  2. What is 0 × 9?
    Answer: 0
  3. What is 10 × 3?
    Answer: 30
  4. What is 7 × 8?
    Answer: 56
  5. What is 12 × 2?
    Answer: 24

FAQ

What is the fastest way to learn multiplication tables?

The fastest way is to use a mix of methods – like chanting, drawing arrays, and playing games. This helps your brain remember in different ways.

Do all countries use the same multiplication tables?

No, different countries may use different methods, but they all learn the same tables – like 2 × 3 = 6.

Why do some cultures use abacuses?

Abacuses help children understand numbers and multiplication by using physical beads to show groups and amounts.

Can I use music to learn multiplication?

Yes! Many children learn better with songs and rhythms. Try singing your tables to a beat!

Are there any fun games for multiplication?

Yes! You can play with dice, cards, or even make up your own games using your favourite toys or snacks.

Multiplication Tables Around the World

Multiplication Table for 7
7 × 0 7 × 1 7 × 2 7 × 3 7 × 4 7 × 5 7 × 6 7 × 7 7 × 8 7 × 9 7 × 10 7 × 11 7 × 12
0 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84

Why Learning Tables Around the World Matters

Learning multiplication tables helps children build a strong foundation for more advanced maths. When you understand how others in the world learn, you can find new and fun ways to practice. It also shows that maths is a universal language – no matter where you are, people use numbers and multiplication to solve problems.

How Different Cultures Teach Tables

In many cultures, multiplication is taught through:
  • Chanting and singing
  • Using tools like abacuses
  • Playing games
  • Using arrays and visual aids
  • Repetition and practice
These methods help children understand not just the answer, but how multiplication works. Whether you're in China, Japan, India, or the UK, the goal is the same: to help children learn and remember multiplication facts.

Fun Ways to Learn Tables

You can try these fun ways to learn tables:
  • Chant your tables to a beat
  • Use your fingers to show multiplication
  • Draw arrays to show groups
  • Play multiplication games with family or friends
  • Use an abacus to count beads
Each method helps you see and feel multiplication in a new way. You might find that one way works better for you than others.

Real-World Examples

Multiplication is used in many everyday situations:
  • When you buy 3 packs of 4 cookies, you have 12 cookies
  • When you have 5 rows of 6 chairs, there are 30 chairs
  • When you walk 4 steps 5 times, you’ve walked 20 steps
These are all examples of multiplication in real life. By understanding how other cultures learn, you can see how useful and interesting multiplication can be.

Conclusion

Multiplication tables are important for learning maths, and every culture has its own fun way to teach them. Whether it’s through chanting, abacuses, games, or songs, there are many ways to understand and remember multiplication. Keep exploring and trying new methods – you’ll find the one that works best for you!