X Tables
Times Table Methods

6 times table with arrays and pictures

Use dots, rows, columns and pictures to show what 6 groups really mean.

Quick answer

The 6 times table with arrays and pictures shows how 6 groups of objects can be counted by skip counting or repeated addition. You can see 6 groups of 3 as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 18 or 6 × 3 = 18.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use arrays and pictures to show 6 groups of objects, and you will be able to solve 6 times table problems quickly and confidently. Success signs:
  • You can draw arrays showing 6 groups of any number
  • You can count 6 groups by skip counting in 6s
  • You can use repeated addition to solve 6 times table questions
  • You can solve 6 times table problems using pictures

Why this matters

Arrays and pictures help you understand multiplication in a visual way. This makes it easier to learn and remember the 6 times table. You'll use this knowledge when solving bigger maths problems, sharing snacks, or even when playing games with friends. Knowing your 6 times table helps you do maths faster and with more confidence.

How it works

Arrays are rows and columns of objects that help us see multiplication clearly. For example, if you have 6 rows with 4 stars in each row, you have 6 groups of 4 stars. This is 6 × 4 = 24 stars. You can count them by adding 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24. You can also see this as 6 rows and 4 columns. To show 6 times table problems with arrays:
  1. Decide how many groups of 6 you need
  2. Draw or imagine that many rows
  3. Put the same number of objects in each row
  4. Count all the objects or add the rows

Examples you can see

Let’s look at 6 times table problems using arrays and pictures. Example 1: 6 × 2 Draw 6 rows with 2 stars in each row.
  • Row 1: ★ ★
  • Row 2: ★ ★
  • Row 3: ★ ★
  • Row 4: ★ ★
  • Row 5: ★ ★
  • Row 6: ★ ★
That’s 6 groups of 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12 stars. So 6 × 2 = 12. Example 2: 6 × 5 Draw 6 rows with 5 dots in each row.
  • Row 1: ● ● ● ● ●
  • Row 2: ● ● ● ● ●
  • Row 3: ● ● ● ● ●
  • Row 4: ● ● ● ● ●
  • Row 5: ● ● ● ● ●
  • Row 6: ● ● ● ● ●
That’s 6 groups of 5 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 30 dots. So 6 × 5 = 30. Example 3: 6 × 10 Draw 6 rows with 10 circles in each row.
  • Row 1: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
  • Row 2: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
  • Row 3: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
  • Row 4: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
  • Row 5: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
  • Row 6: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
That’s 6 groups of 10 = 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 60 circles. So 6 × 10 = 60.

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer and you land on a planet where aliens love to count in groups of 6. You find 6 nests, and each nest has 3 shiny gems inside. How many gems do you have altogether? Let’s solve this with arrays:
  1. Draw 6 rows
  2. Put 3 gems in each row
  3. Count all the gems
  • Nest 1: ✨✨✨
  • Nest 2: ✨✨✨
  • Nest 3: ✨✨✨
  • Nest 4: ✨✨✨
  • Nest 5: ✨✨✨
  • Nest 6: ✨✨✨
That’s 6 groups of 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 18 gems. So 6 × 3 = 18 gems. You can also use this to count your own toys, snacks, or even the number of steps you take in 6 minutes!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 6 × 6 = 36, but confusing it with 6 × 6 = 36
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when numbers are the same.
    Fix: Use arrays or pictures to show 6 rows of 6 = 36 objects.
  • Mistake: Counting 6 × 4 as 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20
    Why it happens: Adding up the numbers wrong.
    Fix: Count each group carefully. 6 groups of 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 6 × 0 = 0
    Why it happens: Zero can be tricky.
    Fix: Draw 0 groups of 6 = 0 stars. That’s 0.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children by:
  • Using everyday items like coins, buttons, or toys to make arrays
  • Playing skip counting games in 6s
  • Practising with 6 times table flashcards or drawings
  • Using real-life situations like “If you have 6 boxes with 5 stickers in each, how many stickers are there?”
  • Encouraging children to draw arrays to solve problems
It’s important not to push too hard. Let your child enjoy learning and make mistakes. These are part of the learning journey.

Practice questions

  1. Draw an array for 6 × 3 and count the total.
  2. Use repeated addition to solve 6 × 7.
  3. How many dots are in 6 rows of 4 dots?
  4. What is 6 × 9 using arrays?
  5. Draw 6 rows with 2 stars in each row. What is 6 × 2?
Answers:
  1. 6 rows of 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 18
  2. 6 × 7 = 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 42
  3. 6 rows of 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24 dots
  4. 6 rows of 9 = 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 54
  5. 6 rows of 2 = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12

6 times table facts

6 × 0 6 × 1 6 × 2 6 × 3 6 × 4 6 × 5 6 × 6 6 × 7 6 × 8 6 × 9 6 × 10 6 × 11 6 × 12
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72

FAQ

What is the 6 times table?

The 6 times table is all the multiplication facts that use 6 as one of the numbers. For example, 6 × 1 = 6, 6 × 2 = 12, 6 × 3 = 18, and so on.

Why do we use arrays for multiplication?

Arrays help us see multiplication clearly. They show us groups of equal numbers, making it easier to count and understand what multiplication means.

How can I learn the 6 times table quickly?

You can learn it by using arrays, skip counting in 6s, repeated addition, or by playing games. Practice makes progress!

Can I use arrays for any multiplication?

Yes! Arrays work for all multiplication tables. They help you see groups and make it easier to count.

What if I forget a 6 times table fact?

If you forget, you can always draw an array or use repeated addition. For example, 6 × 8 is the same as 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 48.