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5 times table chants and rhythms

Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 5 times table without copying any existing song.

Quick answer

Children can learn the 5 times table by clapping, chanting, and moving to rhythms that match the numbers. This helps them remember 5 x 0 = 0, 5 x 1 = 5, 5 x 2 = 10, and so on up to 5 x 12 = 60.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to clap, chant, or move to a rhythm that helps you remember the 5 times table. Success signs:
  • You can count in 5s by clapping or saying the numbers out loud
  • You can make a beat that matches 5 x 3 = 15
  • You can use a rhythm to help you remember 5 x 7 = 35
  • You can play a game using 5 times table beats

Why this matters

When you know the 5 times table, it helps you do maths faster. It's useful for:
  • Counting money (coins, notes)
  • Measuring time (minutes on a clock)
  • Shopping and splitting things
  • Playing games with points or scores
Rhythms and chants make learning fun and help your brain remember better. When you hear a beat or say a song, your brain stores the numbers more easily.

How it works

To make a 5 times table chant or rhythm:
  1. Start by counting in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60
  2. Choose a beat or clapping pattern that fits each number
  3. Repeat the beat or chant with the numbers
  4. Practice moving, clapping, or singing the rhythm

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of 5 times table chants and rhythms you can try: Example 1: Clap and count
  • Clap once for 5
  • Clap twice for 10
  • Clap three times for 15
  • Clap four times for 20
Example 2: Beat and rhyme
  • 5 x 1 = 5 (clap, tap, tap)
  • 5 x 2 = 10 (clap, clap, tap, tap)
  • 5 x 3 = 15 (clap, clap, clap, tap, tap)
  • 5 x 4 = 20 (clap, clap, clap, clap, tap, tap)
Example 3: Rhythm with body
  • 5 x 1 = 5 (tap foot once)
  • 5 x 2 = 10 (tap foot twice)
  • 5 x 3 = 15 (tap foot three times)
  • 5 x 4 = 20 (tap foot four times)

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 5 Times Table Treasure Hunt You are a treasure hunter looking for a chest with 5 gold coins in each of 12 boxes. You need to count how many coins there are in total.
  1. First box: 5 coins
  2. Second box: 10 coins
  3. Third box: 15 coins
  4. Fourth box: 20 coins
  5. Fifth box: 25 coins
  6. Sixth box: 30 coins
  7. Seventh box: 35 coins
  8. Eighth box: 40 coins
  9. Ninth box: 45 coins
  10. Tenth box: 50 coins
  11. Eleventh box: 55 coins
  12. Twelfth box: 60 coins
Now, use a rhythm or chant to count these coins. Try clapping or tapping to match the numbers as you go. When you reach 60, you’ve found all the treasure!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, but saying them too slowly.
    Why: This makes it hard to match the rhythm.
    Fix: Practice counting faster and matching the beat with your hands or feet.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 5 x 4 = 20 with 5 x 5 = 25.
    Why: It’s easy to get confused when numbers are close.
    Fix: Use a special beat for 5 x 5 = 25, like tapping twice and clapping once.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 5 x 0 = 0.
    Why: It’s hard to imagine having zero groups of 5.
    Fix: Say "no groups of 5 = 0" and make a quiet "shhh" sound for zero.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn the 5 times table chants and rhythms by:
  • Clapping or tapping along with the child
  • Using a metronome or drum to keep the beat
  • Playing games like "Count and Clap" where you say a number and the child claps that many times
  • Using real-life situations like counting coins or minutes on a clock
  • Practicing the chant together for 5 minutes a day
Don’t worry if the child gets confused at first. Rhythms and chants take time to learn. Keep it fun and keep practicing.

Practice questions

  1. What is 5 x 3?
  2. How many claps do you make for 5 x 4?
  3. What is 5 x 7?
  4. How many taps do you do for 5 x 6?
  5. What is 5 x 10?
Answers:
  1. 15
  2. 4 claps
  3. 35
  4. 6 taps
  5. 50

FAQ

What is a 5 times table chant?

A 5 times table chant is a song or rhythm that helps you remember the numbers in the 5 times table. You can sing, clap, or move to the beat.

Can I use any rhythm?

Yes! You can use clapping, tapping, jumping, or even drumming. The rhythm should match the numbers you are learning.

How long does it take to learn?

With regular practice, children can learn the 5 times table chants in a few days to a week. It’s best to practice for 5-10 minutes each day.

Is it good for all ages?

Yes! This method works for children aged 4-12. Younger children can use simple claps, and older children can use more complex rhythms or songs.

Can I make my own chant?

Absolutely! You can make up your own rhythm or use a song you know. The key is to connect the numbers to a beat or movement.

5 Times Table Facts

5 x 0 5 x 1 5 x 2 5 x 3 5 x 4 5 x 5 5 x 6 5 x 7 5 x 8 5 x 9 5 x 10 5 x 11 5 x 12
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60