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9 times table chants and rhythms

Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 9 times table without copying any existing song.

Quick answer

Children can learn the 9 times table by using clapping rhythms, singing chants, and movement patterns that match the numbers in the table. These fun, active methods help children remember the facts more easily than rote memorisation alone.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use clapping rhythms and singing chants to remember the 9 times table from 0 x 9 to 12 x 9. Success signs:
  • You can clap out the rhythm for 9 x 3 = 27
  • You can sing a chant that helps you remember 9 x 7 = 63
  • You can create your own 9 times table rhythm
  • You can use your chant or rhythm to help solve 9 times table problems

Why this matters

Learning the 9 times table is important because it helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly. When you know your 9 times table, you can:
  • Work out how much money you’ll need for 9 items that cost £4 each
  • Count how many wheels are on 9 cars (36 wheels)
  • Find how many pages are in 9 books if each has 12 pages (108 pages)
  • Understand patterns in numbers that will help with algebra later
Clapping and singing help your brain remember better than just writing or saying the numbers. These chants also make learning fun and active, which is great for children who learn best with movement.

How it works

To learn the 9 times table using chants and rhythms, follow these simple steps:
  1. Start by counting in 9s: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108, 117, 126
  2. Clap out the rhythm of each number in the table
  3. Make up a short chant for each number that helps you remember
  4. Practice saying the chant and clapping the rhythm together
  5. Use your chant to help you remember any 9 times table fact

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to use clapping and singing to remember the 9 times table. Here are the full facts from 0 x 9 to 12 x 9:
Multiplication Answer Clap rhythm Chant
0 x 9 0 Clap once, then stop Zero times nine is zero, nothing there!
1 x 9 9 Clap once, then 9 claps One times nine is nine, one group of nine!
2 x 9 18 Clap twice, then 18 claps Two times nine is eighteen, two groups of nine!
3 x 9 27 Clap three times, then 27 claps Three times nine is twenty-seven, three groups of nine!
4 x 9 36 Clap four times, then 36 claps Four times nine is thirty-six, four groups of nine!
5 x 9 45 Clap five times, then 45 claps Five times nine is forty-five, five groups of nine!
6 x 9 54 Clap six times, then 54 claps Six times nine is fifty-four, six groups of nine!
7 x 9 63 Clap seven times, then 63 claps Seven times nine is sixty-three, seven groups of nine!
8 x 9 72 Clap eight times, then 72 claps Eight times nine is seventy-two, eight groups of nine!
9 x 9 81 Clap nine times, then 81 claps Nine times nine is eighty-one, nine groups of nine!
10 x 9 90 Clap ten times, then 90 claps Ten times nine is ninety, ten groups of nine!
11 x 9 99 Clap eleven times, then 99 claps Eleven times nine is ninety-nine, eleven groups of nine!
12 x 9 108 Clap twelve times, then 108 claps Twelve times nine is one hundred eight, twelve groups of nine!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 9 Times Table Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt in a magical land where the numbers are hiding. To find the treasure, you must solve the 9 times table clues. Each clue gives you a number from 0 to 12, and you must clap out that many times 9 to find the secret code.
  1. First clue: 0 x 9 = ?
  2. Second clue: 1 x 9 = ?
  3. Third clue: 2 x 9 = ?
  4. Fourth clue: 3 x 9 = ?
  5. Fifth clue: 4 x 9 = ?
  6. Sixth clue: 5 x 9 = ?
  7. Seventh clue: 6 x 9 = ?
  8. Eighth clue: 7 x 9 = ?
  9. Ninth clue: 8 x 9 = ?
  10. Tenth clue: 9 x 9 = ?
  11. Eleventh clue: 10 x 9 = ?
  12. Twelfth clue: 11 x 9 = ?
  13. Thirteenth clue: 12 x 9 = ?
For each clue, you must:
  1. Clap the number of times shown in the clue
  2. Then clap the number of times shown in the answer
  3. Count how many claps you made in total
  4. Write the number of claps down
When you finish all 13 clues, you will have a list of numbers that will lead you to the treasure.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Clapping the wrong number of times for the multiplication.
    Why it happens: Children might get confused between the number of groups and the answer.
    Fix: Use your fingers or a number line to check how many groups you have before clapping.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to say the chant along with the clapping.
    Why it happens: Children may think they only need to clap, not say the words.
    Fix: Say the chant aloud while clapping, then practice without looking at your hands.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 9 x 7 and 9 x 8.
    Why it happens: These numbers are close together and sound similar.
    Fix: Practice each chant separately and use your body to show the difference in claps.

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 9 times table with chants and rhythms is a great way to help your child learn maths in a fun, active way. Here’s how you can support your child:
  • Start by clapping the rhythm together with your child for each fact
  • Let your child make up their own chants or choose songs they like
  • Practice during daily routines, like walking to school or waiting in the car
  • Use a timer to make it more fun – how many times can you clap in 30 seconds?
  • Don’t worry if your child gets it wrong at first – repetition helps!
What to say:
  • "Let’s clap out 9 x 4 together"
  • "What chant can we make for 9 x 6?"
  • "You did a great job clapping 9 x 9!"
What not to do:
  • Don’t make it feel like a test
  • Don’t compare your child to others
  • Don’t give up if your child gets it wrong the first time

Practice questions

  1. What is 9 x 3? Clap out the rhythm.
  2. What chant can you make for 9 x 5?
  3. How many claps do you make for 9 x 7?
  4. What is 9 x 9? Say the chant.
  5. Can you clap 9 x 10? How many claps?
Answers:
  1. 9 x 3 = 27. Clap three times, then 27 claps
  2. One chant for 9 x 5 is: "Five times nine is forty-five, five groups of nine!"
  3. For 9 x 7, you clap 7 times, then 7 times 9 = 63 claps
  4. 9 x 9 = 81. Chant: "Nine times nine is eighty-one, nine groups of nine!"
  5. For 9 x 10, clap 10 times, then 10 times 9 = 90 claps

FAQ

Why do we use clapping and singing to learn the 9 times table?

Clapping and singing help your brain remember better. When you move your body and say words, you create more connections in your brain, which makes it easier to remember numbers and facts.

Can I make my own chant for the 9 times table?

Yes! You can make up your own chant using words you like. For example, if you love animals, you might say: "Nine times six is fifty-four, six little paws on the floor!"

What if I forget a chant?

If you forget a chant, try clapping the rhythm instead. You can also use skip counting or count in 9s to remember the answer.

Is it okay to use a calculator to check my answers?

Yes, calculators are great tools to check your answers. But it's important to learn the facts first so you can solve problems quickly and confidently.

How long should I practice with chants and rhythms?

Even 5-10 minutes a day can help. Try to practice a few times a week, and your brain will start to remember the 9 times table more easily!