X Tables
Times Table Methods

5 times table with arrays and pictures

Use dots, rows, columns and pictures to show what 5 groups really mean.

Quick answer

The 5 times table with arrays and pictures helps you see 5 groups of numbers clearly. You can use dots, rows, and columns to show how multiplication works.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use arrays and pictures to show what 5 times any number means, and you will understand how to count 5 groups of objects. Success signs:
  • You can draw 5 rows with the same number of dots in each row
  • You can count 5 groups of objects by 5s
  • You can match pictures to multiplication sentences like 5 × 3 = 15
  • You can explain what 5 × 4 means using dots or pictures

Why this matters

Arrays and pictures help you understand multiplication in a clear way. When you see 5 groups of 3 dots, it helps you understand that 5 × 3 = 15. This makes learning times tables easier and more fun. You use this skill when you share 5 bags of 4 sweets, or when you count 5 rows of 6 chairs.

How it works

Arrays are rows and columns of objects. For the 5 times table:
  1. Draw 5 rows (like lines going across)
  2. In each row, put the same number of objects
  3. Count all the objects to find the answer
For example, 5 × 3 means 5 rows with 3 dots in each row. If you count all the dots, you get 15.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at 5 × 2 using arrays:
  • Draw 5 rows
  • In each row, draw 2 dots
  • Count all the dots: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10
  • So 5 × 2 = 10
Here is a table showing how 5 times any number looks as an array:
5 × Array (dots) Answer
0 No rows 0
1 5 rows with 1 dot each 5
2 5 rows with 2 dots each 10
3 5 rows with 3 dots each 15
4 5 rows with 4 dots each 20
5 5 rows with 5 dots each 25
6 5 rows with 6 dots each 30
7 5 rows with 7 dots each 35
8 5 rows with 8 dots each 40
9 5 rows with 9 dots each 45
10 5 rows with 10 dots each 50
11 5 rows with 11 dots each 55
12 5 rows with 12 dots each 60

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer and you find 5 alien planets. On each planet, there are 4 strange creatures. How many creatures are there in total?
  1. Draw 5 rows (for 5 planets)
  2. In each row, draw 4 alien creatures
  3. Count all the creatures
  4. What is 5 × 4?
You can draw this on paper or use toys to act it out. Try drawing 5 × 5, 5 × 6, and 5 × 7 too!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting rows instead of dots.
    Why it happens: You might count how many rows there are instead of counting all the dots.
    Fix: Count each dot in every row, not just the rows.
  • Mistake: Drawing 5 dots in each row but forgetting to make 5 rows.
    Why it happens: You might think 5 × 3 means 3 rows of 5 dots.
    Fix: Always draw 5 rows, and count how many dots are in each row.
  • Mistake: Thinking 5 × 0 = 5.
    Why it happens: You might think that 5 groups of nothing still makes 5.
    Fix: 5 × 0 = 0 because 5 groups with 0 dots in each group = 0 dots.

Parent and carer guide

To help your child with 5 times table arrays:
  • Use everyday objects like coins, blocks, or crayons to make arrays
  • Ask your child to draw 5 rows with 3 dots each and count them
  • Play a game: "How many dots are in 5 rows of 6?"
  • Encourage drawing or using toys to show arrays
  • Reinforce that 5 × 3 means 5 groups of 3
It's okay if your child makes mistakes. Arrays help them see the pattern and learn better. Don’t worry if they need to count dots at first. It’s a normal part of learning.

Practice questions

  1. Draw 5 rows with 2 dots in each row. What is 5 × 2?
  2. Draw 5 rows with 4 dots in each row. What is 5 × 4?
  3. Draw 5 rows with 7 dots in each row. What is 5 × 7?
  4. Draw 5 rows with 9 dots in each row. What is 5 × 9?
  5. Draw 5 rows with 12 dots in each row. What is 5 × 12?
Answers:
  1. 5 × 2 = 10
  2. 5 × 4 = 20
  3. 5 × 7 = 35
  4. 5 × 9 = 45
  5. 5 × 12 = 60

FAQ

What is an array?

An array is a group of objects arranged in rows and columns. For 5 × 3, you draw 5 rows with 3 dots in each row.

How can I use arrays to learn the 5 times table?

You can draw rows of dots to show how many groups of 5 you have. This helps you see multiplication clearly.

Why is it helpful to draw arrays?

Arrays help you see what multiplication really means. You can count the dots to find the answer and understand the pattern.

Can I use anything other than dots?

Yes! You can use anything like stickers, toys, or counters to make arrays. It’s just like making a picture with objects.

What if I forget the 5 times table?

You can always draw an array to help you remember. It’s a fun and visual way to find the answer.