X Tables
Times Table Methods

8 times table with arrays and pictures

Use dots, rows, columns and pictures to show what 8 groups really mean.

Quick answer

When you multiply by 8, you're making 8 equal groups of something. You can show this using arrays – rows and columns of dots or objects – to help you see how many there are in total.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use arrays and pictures to show what 8 times table facts look like, and you will be able to solve 8 times table problems by counting groups of 8.

  • You can draw or use dots to make arrays showing 8 groups of different numbers.
  • You can match arrays to multiplication sentences like 3 × 8 = 24.
  • You can solve word problems by using arrays to show 8 groups.
  • You can use arrays to see patterns in the 8 times table.

Why this matters

Arrays help you see multiplication in a clear way. When you learn the 8 times table, you'll use this knowledge in many areas – like counting how many legs a group of spiders has, how many wheels 5 cars have, or how many cookies are in 6 packs of 8.

Arrays also help you prepare for more advanced maths, like area and fractions. When you can picture 8 groups of something, you're building strong maths skills for later.

How it works

Arrays are like grids of dots or objects arranged in rows and columns. Each row has the same number of items, and each column has the same number of items. For the 8 times table:

  1. Think of the first number in the multiplication as the number of rows.
  2. Think of 8 as the number of items in each row.
  3. Count all the items in the array to find the total.

For example, 4 × 8 means 4 rows with 8 dots in each row. You can count all the dots to find the answer.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to show 8 times table facts using arrays:

Multiplication Array Explanation
1 × 8 • • • • • • • • One row with 8 dots = 8
2 × 8 • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •		 Two rows with 8 dots = 16
3 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Three rows with 8 dots = 24
4 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Four rows with 8 dots = 32
5 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Five rows with 8 dots = 40
6 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Six rows with 8 dots = 48
7 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Seven rows with 8 dots = 56
8 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Eight rows with 8 dots = 64
9 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Nine rows with 8 dots = 72
10 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Ten rows with 8 dots = 80
11 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Eleven rows with 8 dots = 88
12 × 8 • • • • • • • •
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• • • • • • • •		 Twelve rows with 8 dots = 96

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 8 Times Table Treasure Hunt

You are on a treasure hunt with your friend. Every time you find a clue, you must solve a multiplication problem to move forward. Here’s your first clue:

  1. Find 3 groups of 8 shells on the beach. How many shells is that in total?
  2. You see 5 rows of 8 stars in the sky. How many stars are there?
  3. There are 7 boxes, each with 8 toys. How many toys are there?
  4. Draw an array for 4 × 8. Count the dots to find the total.

After solving each clue, you get a key piece to open the treasure chest. You can draw your arrays or use counters to help you count!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting rows instead of columns when making arrays.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused about which is the number of rows and which is the number of items in each row.
    Fix: Always remember that the first number tells you how many rows, and 8 is the number of items in each row.
  • Mistake: Thinking 8 × 8 = 16.
    Why it happens: Children sometimes mix up the 8 times table with the 2 times table or other tables.
    Fix: Use arrays to show that 8 × 8 = 64 – 8 rows of 8 dots.
  • Mistake: Drawing arrays with unequal rows or columns.
    Why it happens: It's easy to make a mess when drawing.
    Fix: Make sure each row and column has the same number of items.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn the 8 times table with arrays is a fun way to make multiplication visual and easy to understand:

  • Use everyday objects like counters, buttons, or coins to make arrays.
  • Ask your child to draw arrays for 3 × 8 or 6 × 8 to see how many items there are.
  • Play a quick game: “I’ll say a multiplication, and you draw the array!”
  • Encourage your child to count the dots in their arrays to check their answers.
  • Don’t worry if they get confused at first – arrays take time to understand!

Practice questions

  1. Draw an array for 2 × 8 and count the total.
  2. How many dots are in an array of 5 rows with 8 dots in each row?
  3. What multiplication sentence matches an array with 6 rows and 8 dots in each row?
  4. Draw an array for 9 × 8 and count how many dots there are.
  5. How many legs do 7 spiders have if each spider has 8 legs?

Answers:

  1. 16 dots
  2. 40 dots
  3. 6 × 8 = 48
  4. 72 dots
  5. 56 legs

FAQ

What is an array in maths?

An array is a way of showing multiplication using rows and columns of objects or dots. Each row has the same number of items, and each column has the same number of items.

Why do we use arrays for multiplication?

Arrays help us see multiplication clearly. They make it easier to count groups and understand what multiplication really means.

How can I help my child learn the 8 times table with arrays?

You can use counters, draw pictures, or use toys to make rows and columns. Practice by asking your child to draw arrays for different multiplication sentences.

What are some real-life examples of 8 times table?

For example, 8 legs on a spider, 8 wheels on a car, or 8 slices in a pizza pack. You can also count 8 eggs in each carton or 8 students in each group.

Is the 8 times table hard to learn?

No, with arrays and practice, it becomes easier. Start with small numbers like 1 × 8 and 2 × 8, then build up.