Best order to learn the times tables
A sensible learning route from 2s, 5s and 10s through to the trickier 6s, 7s, 8s and 12s.
Quick answer
The best order to learn times tables is to start with the easier ones (2s, 5s, and 10s), then move to the 3s and 4s, followed by the 6s, 7s, 8s, and 12s. This builds confidence and helps children see patterns and relationships between numbers.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand why some times tables are easier to learn first and how to build your multiplication skills step by step.
- You can explain why 2s, 5s, and 10s are easier to learn
- You can use skip counting to help with 3s and 4s
- You can identify patterns in the 6s, 7s, 8s, and 12s tables
- You can use tricks and strategies to help with harder tables
Why this matters
Learning times tables in a smart order helps children understand the maths better and feel more confident. When you start with easy tables, you build a strong foundation. This makes it easier to learn harder ones later. It also helps with everyday tasks like sharing food, counting money, and solving problems quickly.
For example, if you know your 5s table, you can quickly work out how much 5 toy cars cost if each costs £2. If you know your 10s table, you can easily work out how many legs 10 cats have or how many fingers 10 children have. This helps you do maths faster and with more confidence.
How it works
Learning times tables follows a pattern that makes sense:
- Start with 2s, 5s, and 10s because they follow simple rules
- Learn 3s and 4s using skip counting and repeated addition
- Move to 6s, 7s, 8s, and 12s using patterns, doubles, and memory tricks
Each step builds on the last one. When you understand 2s, you can use that to learn 4s. When you know 5s, you can use that to learn 10s. This makes learning easier and more fun!
Examples you can see
Let’s look at how to learn each table in order:
2s table
2s is easy because it’s just counting in 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.
Example: If you have 5 pairs of socks, how many socks is that? 5 × 2 = 10 socks.
5s table
5s are easy because they always end in 0 or 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60.
Example: If you have 6 coins and each is worth 5p, how much money is that? 6 × 5 = 30p.
10s table
10s are easy because you just add a zero: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120.
Example: If you have 8 toy cars and each car costs £10, how much do they cost altogether? 8 × 10 = £80.
3s table
3s can be learned by skip counting or using repeated addition.
Example: If you have 4 groups of 3 apples, how many apples is that? 4 × 3 = 12 apples.
4s table
4s can be learned by doubling the 2s table.
Example: 6 × 4 = (6 × 2) × 2 = 12 × 2 = 24.
6s table
6s can be learned by doubling the 3s table.
Example: 7 × 6 = (7 × 3) × 2 = 21 × 2 = 42.
7s table
7s can be tricky, but you can use the pattern or think of 7 × 7 = 49.
Example: If you have 5 groups of 7 sweets, how many sweets is that? 5 × 7 = 35 sweets.
8s table
8s can be learned by doubling the 4s table.
Example: 6 × 8 = (6 × 4) × 2 = 24 × 2 = 48.
12s table
12s can be learned by using 10s and 2s.
Example: 5 × 12 = (5 × 10) + (5 × 2) = 50 + 10 = 60.
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect stars for your spaceship. Each planet you visit has a different number of stars to collect:
- Planet 2: You collect 3 groups of 2 stars. How many stars do you collect? 3 × 2 = ?
- Planet 5: You collect 4 groups of 5 stars. How many stars do you collect? 4 × 5 = ?
- Planet 10: You collect 6 groups of 10 stars. How many stars do you collect? 6 × 10 = ?
- Planet 3: You collect 5 groups of 3 stars. How many stars do you collect? 5 × 3 = ?
- Planet 4: You collect 7 groups of 4 stars. How many stars do you collect? 7 × 4 = ?
Now, you have collected a lot of stars! Use your knowledge of the times tables to find the answers to each planet’s star collection. What do you notice about the patterns?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that 6 × 7 = 48 instead of 42.
Why it happens: This is a common mix-up because 6 × 7 is close to 6 × 6 = 36 and 7 × 7 = 49.
Fix: Use repeated addition: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 36 and then add 6 more = 42. - Mistake: Forgetting that 0 × anything = 0.
Why it happens: Children might think that 0 × 5 = 5 because 5 is the number being multiplied.
Fix: Explain that 0 groups of anything is 0. So 0 × 5 = 0. - Mistake: Confusing 8 × 8 = 64 with 8 × 9 = 72.
Why it happens: The numbers look close, and children might get confused by the pattern.
Fix: Use the fact that 8 × 9 is just one more group of 8 than 8 × 8.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, here’s how you can help:
- Start with 2s, 5s, and 10s. These are the easiest and help build confidence.
- Use everyday situations to practice, like counting the legs of animals or the wheels of cars.
- Play games with your child using flashcards or apps that focus on multiplication.
- Encourage them to use skip counting or repeated addition when they’re unsure.
- Don’t worry if they make mistakes. It’s part of learning!
- Use visual aids like arrays or groups of objects to show multiplication.
- Be patient and celebrate small wins. Learning times tables is a journey!
Remember, every child learns at their own pace. If your child is struggling with a table, don’t rush. Take it one step at a time and make it fun!
Practice questions
- What is 4 × 5?
Answer: 20 - What is 7 × 3?
Answer: 21 - What is 8 × 4?
Answer: 32 - What is 12 × 2?
Answer: 24 - What is 0 × 9?
Answer: 0 - What is 6 × 6?
Answer: 36 - What is 9 × 5?
Answer: 45 - What is 11 × 3?
Answer: 33 - What is 3 × 8?
Answer: 24 - What is 10 × 7?
Answer: 70
FAQ
Why start with 2s, 5s, and 10s?
These tables are easier because they follow simple patterns. 2s are just even numbers, 5s always end in 0 or 5, and 10s just add a zero.
How can I help my child learn times tables faster?
Use games, songs, and real-life examples. Practice a few minutes every day, and don’t forget to celebrate progress!
Is it okay to learn 6s, 7s, 8s, and 12s before 2s, 5s, and 10s?
It’s not recommended. Learning the easier tables first builds a strong foundation for the harder ones.
What is the best way to memorise times tables?
Use a mix of repetition, patterns, and visual aids. Don’t just memorise – understand how multiplication works.
What if my child finds times tables boring?
Make it fun with games, stories, or challenges. Try using their interests – if they love sports, use scores and times to practice!