Original 9 times table rhyme ideas
Create safe, fresh rhyme prompts for nines and digit patterns.
Quick answer
You can create fun, original rhymes to help remember the 9 times table by using patterns like finger counting, digit sums, and simple stories. These rhymes make learning the 9 times table easier and more memorable for children.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to create your own original rhyme to help remember the 9 times table, and you will understand how to use patterns and stories to make multiplication easier.
- You can say the 9 times table from 0 to 12 out loud
- You can explain the pattern in the 9 times table digits
- You can use a rhyme to help you remember 9 x 7 or 9 x 9
- You can make up a short story or rhyme to help with any 9 times table fact
Why this matters
Learning the 9 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly. Rhymes make it easier to remember facts without having to count every time. Whether you're sharing pizza, planning a party, or playing a game, knowing your 9 times table helps you count faster and more accurately. Rhymes also make learning fun and help you remember better, especially when you're learning new ideas in school or at home.
How it works
There are many ways to make a rhyme for the 9 times table:
- Counting by 9s: Start with 9, then 18, then 27, and so on. Notice how the tens digit goes up, but the ones digit goes down (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13).
- Digit sum pattern: The digits in the answers always add up to 9 (e.g., 9 x 2 = 18, 1 + 8 = 9).
- Finger counting: Hold up all 10 fingers, and bend the finger that matches the number you're multiplying by 9. The fingers before the bend show the tens, and the fingers after show the ones.
- Stories and silly rhymes: Make up a story or a silly rhyme to help you remember a fact (e.g., "Nine times seven is sixty-three, because I ate six slices and three more were free").
Examples you can see
Here is the full 9 times table with facts and a rhyme for each one:
| 9 × | Answer | Rhyme |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | Zero nines? That’s still zero, no need to count! |
| 1 | 9 | One nine is nine, that’s a simple sign! |
| 2 | 18 | Two nines are eighteen, let’s count it again! |
| 3 | 27 | Three nines are twenty-seven, it’s a great number! |
| 4 | 36 | Four nines are thirty-six, a perfect six! |
| 5 | 45 | Five nines are forty-five, we can count it alive! |
| 6 | 54 | Six nines are fifty-four, a number that’s quite a score! |
| 7 | 63 | Seven nines are sixty-three, that’s a sweet, sweet three! |
| 8 | 72 | Eight nines are seventy-two, that’s a big number too! |
| 9 | 81 | Nine nines are eighty-one, it’s a perfect one! |
| 10 | 90 | Ten nines are ninety, that’s a big number, right? |
| 11 | 99 | Eleven nines are ninety-nine, a number that’s just fine! |
| 12 | 108 | Twelve nines are one hundred eight, that’s a big, big date! |
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are a young explorer on a treasure hunt. You find a map with clues, and each clue tells you how many coins you must collect. The map says:
- For the first clue, you must collect 9 coins.
- For the second clue, you must collect 9 × 2 coins.
- For the third clue, you must collect 9 × 3 coins.
How many coins do you collect in total for the first three clues? You can use your rhyme to help you count!
Now, try to create your own rhyme for the 9 times table. Think of a story about a pet, a game, or something you love. For example:
- "I have 9 cats, and each cat has 3 kittens. That’s 9 × 3 = 27 kittens!"
- "I saw 9 birds, and each bird had 4 feathers. That’s 9 × 4 = 36 feathers!"
Try making a rhyme for 9 × 5 or 9 × 8. Share it with a friend or parent!
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 9 × 9 = 89 instead of 81
Why it happens: Confusing the pattern or forgetting to double-check the answer
Fix: Use the rhyme "Nine nines are eighty-one" or add up the digits (8 + 1 = 9) - Mistake: Mixing up 9 × 7 = 63 and 9 × 8 = 72
Why it happens: Both answers are close and can sound similar
Fix: Use finger counting or the rhyme "Seven nines are sixty-three, eight nines are seventy-two" - Mistake: Forgetting that 9 × 0 = 0
Why it happens: Thinking that multiplying by 9 always makes a big number
Fix: Use the rhyme "Zero nines? That’s still zero, no need to count!"
Parent and carer guide
Help your child learn the 9 times table by:
- Practising the rhyme together every day for 5 minutes
- Using finger counting to show how 9 × 4 = 36
- Looking for real-life examples: "If you have 9 boxes, and each box has 4 toys, how many toys do you have?"
- Letting them create their own rhymes or stories
- Encouraging them to use their rhyme when solving problems
Don’t worry if they get some facts wrong at first – it’s normal! The key is to keep trying and laughing at silly rhymes. A fun learning environment helps them remember better.
Practice questions
- What is 9 × 4?
- What is 9 × 7?
- What is 9 × 10?
- What is 9 × 12?
- Write a rhyme for 9 × 6.
Answers:
- 36
- 63
- 90
- 108
- "Six nines are fifty-four, a number that’s quite a score!"
FAQ
Why are rhymes helpful for learning times tables?
Rhymes help your brain remember facts more easily because they create a pattern and rhythm. When you hear a rhyme, it’s like your brain is playing a song that makes the numbers stick in your memory.
Can I make up my own rhyme for 9 × 9?
Yes! You can make up a rhyme like "Nine nines are eighty-one, a perfect one, just like the sun!"
How can I remember that 9 × 5 = 45?
You can use the pattern that the digits in the answer add up to 9. For 45, 4 + 5 = 9. You can also think of it as 5 × 9 = 45, or use the rhyme "Five nines are forty-five, we can count it alive!"
Is there a trick for 9 × 9?
Yes! One trick is to use your fingers. Hold up 10 fingers, and bend the 9th finger (count from the left). You’ll have 8 fingers before and 1 after, so 9 × 9 = 81.
What if I forget a rhyme?
If you forget, you can still use the pattern of the digits or count by 9s. You can also ask a friend or parent to help you remember!