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Original 8 times table rhyme ideas

Create safe, fresh rhyme prompts for eights and repeated doubling.

Quick answer

Original 8 times table rhyme ideas help children remember multiplication facts by turning numbers into fun, memorable phrases that use rhythm, repetition, and imagery. These rhymes can be created using repeated doubling, counting in eights, or linking to real-life examples like groups of 8 objects.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to create your own fun and original rhymes to help remember the 8 times table, and understand how these rhymes make it easier to learn and remember multiplication facts. Success signs:
  • You can say the 8 times table from 0 to 12
  • You can make up a rhyme to remember one 8 times table fact
  • You can use your rhyme to solve a multiplication problem
  • You can explain why rhymes help you learn better

Why this matters

Rhymes are a powerful way to remember information. When you learn the 8 times table through a rhyme, you're not just memorising numbers – you're connecting them to fun, visual ideas that stick in your memory. This helps you solve multiplication problems faster and more confidently. Whether you're sharing a snack with friends, planning a party, or counting your LEGO bricks, knowing your 8 times table makes life easier.

How it works

Creating a rhyme for the 8 times table involves:
  1. Choosing a number to multiply by 8
  2. Thinking of a fun, visual image or story
  3. Using repetition and rhythm to make it catchy
  4. Linking the number of groups to the number of items in each group
For example, if you're thinking about 3 x 8, you might imagine three groups of 8 apples. Then you can make a rhyme like: "Three groups of eight, that's twenty-four, apples in a pile, so many to share!" This way, the rhyme helps you remember that 3 x 8 = 24.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how we can turn the 8 times table into fun rhymes. Here are some examples for each multiplication fact: 8 Times Table Rhymes
Multiplication Rhyme Visual Idea
0 x 8 Zero groups of eight, that’s zero, no need to count! No cookies in any box
1 x 8 One group of eight, that’s eight, a perfect start! One octopus with 8 arms
2 x 8 Two groups of eight, that’s sixteen, a pair of teams! Two pairs of socks, each with 8 toes
3 x 8 Three groups of eight, that’s twenty-four, apples in a pile! Three baskets, each with 8 apples
4 x 8 Four groups of eight, that’s thirty-two, a dance with eight! Four kids doing a dance, each with 8 moves
5 x 8 Five groups of eight, that’s forty, a garden full of eight! Five flowers, each with 8 petals
6 x 8 Six groups of eight, that’s forty-eight, a party with eight! Six tables, each with 8 guests
7 x 8 Seven groups of eight, that’s fifty-six, a band with eight! Seven musicians, each with 8 instruments
8 x 8 Eight groups of eight, that’s sixty-four, a chess board full! Eight rows of eight squares
9 x 8 Nine groups of eight, that’s seventy-two, a fish with eight fins! Nine fish, each with 8 fins
10 x 8 Ten groups of eight, that’s eighty, a group of eight! Ten friends, each with 8 toys
11 x 8 Eleven groups of eight, that’s eighty-eight, a school with eight! Eleven classrooms, each with 8 students
12 x 8 Twelve groups of eight, that’s ninety-six, a clock with eight! Twelve hours, each with 8 minutes

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Rhyme Race You are going on a journey to find the secret rhyme for the 8 times table. Each step of the way, you’ll meet a new challenge.
  1. First time: Think of a group of 8 things. What are they?
  2. Second time: How many of these groups are there?
  3. Third time: Make up a rhyme that tells the story of your groups.
  4. Fourth time: Try to say your rhyme out loud and count the total!
For example, if you think of 4 groups of 8 toy cars:
  • First time: Toy cars
  • Second time: 4 groups
  • Third time: "Four groups of eight, that’s thirty-two, racing cars, so many to view!"
  • Fourth time: Say the rhyme and count 4 x 8 = 32

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 x 8 = 0
    Why it happens: Children might think that zero means "nothing", so they forget that multiplying by zero always gives zero.
    Fix: Remember: if you have zero groups of anything, you have nothing at all. Zero groups of 8 things = 0 things.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 7 x 8 and 8 x 7
    Why it happens: The order of multiplication can be confusing, especially when the numbers are close.
    Fix: Remember that 7 x 8 and 8 x 7 give the same answer. Try counting in 8s or 7s to check!
  • Mistake: Thinking that 8 x 8 = 64 is too hard to remember
    Why it happens: 8 x 8 is a larger number and might feel harder to memorise.
    Fix: Use a rhyme like "Eight groups of eight, that’s sixty-four, a chess board full!" or break it into 8 x 7 + 8 = 56 + 8 = 64.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to make up their own rhymes for the 8 times table
  • Listening to children's rhymes and repeating them back to help them remember
  • Playing games where you take turns saying rhymes and solving problems
  • Using real-life examples like counting 8 legs on a spider, or 8 slices of pizza
  • Not pushing too hard – rhymes should be fun, not stressful
Five-minute help:
  • Ask: “Can you think of a rhyme for 5 x 8?”
  • Use your child’s interests – if they like animals, use animals in the rhyme
  • Write the rhyme down together to make it stick
  • Count together in eights to reinforce the pattern
  • Play a quick game: “I say a number, you say the rhyme!”

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 x 8?
  2. Make up a rhyme for 6 x 8
  3. How many legs do 4 spiders have?
  4. What is 9 x 8?
  5. Write a rhyme for 10 x 8
Answers:
  1. 24
  2. “Six groups of eight, that’s forty-eight, a party with eight!”
  3. 32 legs
  4. 72
  5. “Ten groups of eight, that’s eighty, a group of eight!”

FAQ

What is a good way to remember the 8 times table?

Using rhymes helps you remember because they are fun and catchy. When you hear a rhyme, your brain remembers the pattern better than just memorising numbers.

Can I make my own 8 times table rhyme?

Yes! You can use any objects you like – animals, toys, food, or anything you enjoy. The more fun and visual your rhyme is, the easier it is to remember.

Why is it helpful to use rhymes for multiplication?

Rhymes make numbers more memorable. They help you connect a multiplication fact to a story or image, which makes it easier to recall when you need it.

Are there other times tables that can use rhymes?

Yes! You can make rhymes for any times table. The key is to think of a story or image that matches the multiplication fact.

What if I can’t remember a rhyme?

That’s okay! You can always count in 8s, or use other methods like drawing groups or using a calculator. Rhymes are just a helpful tool to make learning easier.