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Times table rap writing

Help children write their own original rap lyrics for a table they find hard.

Quick answer

You can write your own times table rap by using rhymes, beats, and repetition to help you remember multiplication facts. It's like making a fun song that helps you learn!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to write your own original rap lyrics for a times table you find tricky, using simple rhymes, beats, and repeated numbers. Success signs:
  • You can choose a multiplication fact and turn it into a rhyme
  • You can use a beat or rhythm to make your rap catchy
  • You can repeat the numbers in your rap to help you remember them
  • You can share your rap with a friend or family member

Why this matters

Learning times tables is important because it helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly. When you know your tables well, you can do things like:
  • Split your pizza into equal slices
  • Count how many legs all your toys have
  • Work out how much money you need for a shop
  • Understand how fast your bike or car goes
Raps are a super fun way to learn because they use music and rhythm, which helps your brain remember better. When you make a rap for a table you find hard, you're not just memorising – you're creating something you'll love to sing!

How it works

Writing a times table rap is like building a fun puzzle with words and numbers. Here's how to do it step by step:
  1. Choose your table – Pick the multiplication table you find tricky (like 6s, 7s, or 8s)
  2. Think of a beat – You can tap your foot, clap, or hum a rhythm
  3. Write your numbers – Write the multiplication facts (like 6 x 1 = 6, 6 x 2 = 12)
  4. Make rhymes – Turn the numbers into words that rhyme (like "six and one is six" or "twelve is two times six")
  5. Repeat your rap – Sing it again and again to help remember

Examples you can see

Let's try making a rap for the 7 times table together. 7 x 1 = 7 "Seven times one, that's just seven, One group of seven, that's seven, Seven, seven, seven, That's the way it goes, Seven times one, that's seven!" 7 x 2 = 14 "Seven times two, that's fourteen, Two groups of seven, that's fourteen, Fourteen, fourteen, fourteen, That's the way it goes, Seven times two, that's fourteen!" 7 x 3 = 21 "Seven times three, that's twenty-one, Three groups of seven, that's twenty-one, Twenty-one, twenty-one, twenty-one, That's the way it goes, Seven times three, that's twenty-one!" 7 x 4 = 28 "Seven times four, that's twenty-eight, Four groups of seven, that's twenty-eight, Twenty-eight, twenty-eight, twenty-eight, That's the way it goes, Seven times four, that's twenty-eight!" 7 x 5 = 35 "Seven times five, that's thirty-five, Five groups of seven, that's thirty-five, Thirty-five, thirty-five, thirty-five, That's the way it goes, Seven times five, that's thirty-five!" 7 x 6 = 42 "Seven times six, that's forty-two, Six groups of seven, that's forty-two, Forty-two, forty-two, forty-two, That's the way it goes, Seven times six, that's forty-two!" 7 x 7 = 49 "Seven times seven, that's forty-nine, Seven groups of seven, that's forty-nine, Forty-nine, forty-nine, forty-nine, That's the way it goes, Seven times seven, that's forty-nine!" 7 x 8 = 56 "Seven times eight, that's fifty-six, Eight groups of seven, that's fifty-six, Fifty-six, fifty-six, fifty-six, That's the way it goes, Seven times eight, that's fifty-six!" 7 x 9 = 63 "Seven times nine, that's sixty-three, Nine groups of seven, that's sixty-three, Sixty-three, sixty-three, sixty-three, That's the way it goes, Seven times nine, that's sixty-three!" 7 x 10 = 70 "Seven times ten, that's seventy, Ten groups of seven, that's seventy, Seventy, seventy, seventy, That's the way it goes, Seven times ten, that's seventy!" 7 x 11 = 77 "Seven times eleven, that's seventy-seven, Eleven groups of seven, that's seventy-seven, Seventy-seven, seventy-seven, seventy-seven, That's the way it goes, Seven times eleven, that's seventy-seven!" 7 x 12 = 84 "Seven times twelve, that's eighty-four, Twelve groups of seven, that's eighty-four, Eighty-four, eighty-four, eighty-four, That's the way it goes, Seven times twelve, that's eighty-four!"

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Rap Master Challenge! You are a rap master and your mission is to create a rap for the 9 times table. You have a special rap notebook and a magic beat maker. Step 1: Write down the 9 times table facts:
  • 9 x 1 = 9
  • 9 x 2 = 18
  • 9 x 3 = 27
  • 9 x 4 = 36
  • 9 x 5 = 45
  • 9 x 6 = 54
  • 9 x 7 = 63
  • 9 x 8 = 72
  • 9 x 9 = 81
  • 9 x 10 = 90
  • 9 x 11 = 99
  • 9 x 12 = 108
Step 2: Think of a rhyme for each one. Here's a start:
  • 9 x 1 = 9 – "Nine times one, that's nine, Nine is the number, that's fine!"
  • 9 x 2 = 18 – "Nine times two, that's eighteen, Two groups of nine, that's eighteen!"
Step 3: Keep writing your rap for all 12 facts. Don't worry if it sounds silly – it's your rap! Step 4: Sing your rap out loud and practice it until you know it by heart!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Trying to rhyme numbers that don't match the facts. Why it happens: The brain wants to make things sound good, so it can get confused. Fix: Always check that your rhyme matches the correct answer!
  • Mistake: Forgetting to repeat the numbers in the rap. Why it happens: It's hard to remember when you don't practice. Fix: Sing your rap several times and write it down to help remember!
  • Mistake: Making the rap too long or too short. Why it happens: Kids want to add lots of fun words. Fix: Keep your rap about 3–5 lines per fact, so it's easy to remember!
  • Mistake: Not using a beat or rhythm. Why it happens: The brain likes music to help remember. Fix: Tap your foot or clap to keep the beat!

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child write their rap in just 10 minutes:
  1. Choose a table – Ask your child which table they find hard (like 6s or 8s)
  2. Start simple – Help them write one fact at a time, like 6 x 1 = 6
  3. Use a beat – Clap or tap a rhythm together
  4. Make it fun – Let them add silly words or sounds if they want
  5. Practice together – Sing the rap out loud and repeat it a few times
What to say: "That's a great rhyme! Can you sing it again?" What not to worry about: It's okay if the rap sounds silly – it's their own special song!

Practice questions

  1. What is 9 x 3? Answer: 27
  2. What is 8 x 4? Answer: 32
  3. What is 12 x 5? Answer: 60
  4. What is 7 x 6? Answer: 42
  5. What is 11 x 3? Answer: 33

FAQ

What is a times table rap? A times table rap is a song or poem that helps you remember multiplication facts using rhymes and rhythm.

Can I make up my own words? Yes! Your rap should be fun and special to you, so make up words that make sense and sound good.

Do I have to sing it? You can tap, clap, or hum your rap too – it's all about making it fun!

How long should my rap be? A good rap is about 3 to 5 lines for each multiplication fact. Keep it simple!

Can I use a beat from a song? Yes, you can use a beat from your favourite song, but make sure it's not too loud or distracting.