X Tables
Times Table Methods

How to revise all tables before secondary school

A catch-up plan for ages 10 to 12 using diagnosis, strategy and mixed practice.

Quick answer

You can revise all times tables before secondary school by using a mix of diagnosis, strategy, and regular practice. Start by finding out which tables you know and which ones need more work, then use fun methods like games, songs, and visual patterns to learn the tricky ones. Keep practicing every day, and use real-life situations to make the maths feel useful.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to check which times tables you know well, which ones you need to practice, and how to use fun methods to learn all the tables from 0 to 12. Success signs:
  • You can say the 0 to 12 times tables in order without stopping
  • You can quickly answer a multiplication question from any table
  • You understand how to use arrays, repeated addition, and groups to solve multiplication problems
  • You can use times tables to solve everyday problems like sharing food or counting money

Why this matters

Knowing your times tables helps you do maths faster and easier in school and in real life. When you know them, you can:
  • Quickly work out how many cookies are in 5 packs if each pack has 6 cookies
  • Find out how much 3 footballs cost if each one costs £4
  • Work out how long it takes to walk 12 steps if each step is 50cm
  • Understand how much pizza each person gets if 8 people share 24 slices
These skills will help you in maths, science, music, cooking, and even playing games.

How it works

Revising all times tables is like building a strong wall. You start by checking what you already know, then you find ways to learn the new parts, and finally you practice a lot to make it stick. Step 1: Find out what you know Use a times table grid to see which tables you know well and which ones are tricky. Step 2: Use helpful methods Try different ways to learn:
  • Counting in groups (like 3, 6, 9, 12)
  • Using arrays (like rows of stars)
  • Repeating addition (like 5 + 5 + 5 = 15)
  • Playing games or singing songs
Step 3: Practice every day Even 10 minutes a day helps. Use flashcards, apps, or games to practice.

Examples you can see

Let's look at how we can use different methods to understand multiplication. Using groups If you have 4 boxes and each box has 5 apples, how many apples do you have?
  • Group 1: 5 apples
  • Group 2: 5 apples
  • Group 3: 5 apples
  • Group 4: 5 apples
So, 4 groups of 5 = 20 apples. Using repeated addition If you have 3 rows of 7 stars, you can add: 7 + 7 + 7 = 21 stars. Using arrays Imagine 4 rows of 6 stars:
★★★★★★
★★★★★★
★★★★★★
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This shows 4 rows of 6 = 24 stars. Real-world example: Shopping You go to the shop and buy 6 bags of chips. Each bag costs £2. How much do you spend?
  • 6 bags of £2 = 6 × 2 = £12
You can use repeated addition: £2 + £2 + £2 + £2 + £2 + £2 = £12.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Times Table Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt to find 12 magical coins. Each coin is hidden in a different place, and each place has a multiplication problem to solve. Here's how it works: 1st coin: You find 3 groups of 4 stars. How many stars are there?
  • Answer: 3 × 4 = 12 stars
2nd coin: You count 5 rows of 6 hearts. How many hearts?
  • Answer: 5 × 6 = 30 hearts
3rd coin: You have 7 plates with 3 cakes each. How many cakes?
  • Answer: 7 × 3 = 21 cakes
4th coin: You see 8 groups of 2 butterflies. How many butterflies?
  • Answer: 8 × 2 = 16 butterflies
5th coin: You see 9 rows of 3 flowers. How many flowers?
  • Answer: 9 × 3 = 27 flowers
6th coin: You find 4 groups of 9 apples. How many apples?
  • Answer: 4 × 9 = 36 apples
7th coin: You see 6 rows of 7 stars. How many stars?
  • Answer: 6 × 7 = 42 stars
8th coin: You count 10 groups of 5 cookies. How many cookies?
  • Answer: 10 × 5 = 50 cookies
9th coin: You have 11 rows of 4 balls. How many balls?
  • Answer: 11 × 4 = 44 balls
10th coin: You see 12 groups of 3 shells. How many shells?
  • Answer: 12 × 3 = 36 shells
11th coin: You have 5 groups of 12 stars. How many stars?
  • Answer: 5 × 12 = 60 stars
12th coin: You count 12 rows of 12 tiles. How many tiles?
  • Answer: 12 × 12 = 144 tiles
You found all the coins! Now you know all the tables from 0 to 12.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 6 × 7 = 42, but getting confused when you see 7 × 6 and think it's different.
    Why it happens: Confusion between the order of numbers in multiplication.
    Fix: Remember that 6 × 7 = 7 × 6 = 42. This is the commutative property of multiplication.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that any number multiplied by 0 equals 0.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that 0 groups of anything is nothing.
    Fix: Think of it like: 0 groups of 5 = 0, because you have no groups.
  • Mistake: Adding instead of multiplying.
    Why it happens: Confusing the operation.
    Fix: Remember that multiplication is repeated addition. For 4 × 3, it's 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12.
  • Mistake: Not using skip counting to learn tables.
    Why it happens: Not knowing that counting in jumps helps.
    Fix: Practice counting in 3s, 4s, 5s, and so on.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child revise times tables in just 10 minutes a day:
  • Start with a quick quiz: ask your child to say a few tables, like 3s, 4s, and 5s.
  • Use games or apps like Times Table Rockstars or Prodigy to make learning fun.
  • Use everyday moments: "If you have 4 plates and each plate has 3 cookies, how many cookies are there?"
  • Use flashcards or a times table grid to help them see patterns.
  • Don't worry if they make mistakes – that's how they learn!
  • Make it a positive experience. Celebrate small wins and be patient.

Practice questions

  1. What is 7 × 8?
  2. What is 0 × 9?
  3. What is 11 × 4?
  4. What is 12 × 6?
  5. What is 5 × 5?
  6. What is 9 × 3?
  7. What is 6 × 7?
  8. What is 10 × 10?
  9. What is 4 × 12?
  10. What is 8 × 9?
Answers:
  1. 56
  2. 0
  3. 44
  4. 72
  5. 25
  6. 27
  7. 42
  8. 100
  9. 48
  10. 72

FAQ

How do I know which tables I need to practice?

Try saying the tables out loud. If you can say 2s, 5s, and 10s easily, but get stuck on 6s, 7s, or 8s, those are the ones you need to practice more.

Is it okay to use a calculator to check my answers?

Yes, using a calculator is fine to check your work, but try to do the problem first without it. That helps you learn better.

How can I make learning times tables fun?

Try singing songs, playing multiplication games, or using flashcards. You can also use objects like counters or toys to make groups.

What if I forget a times table?

Don't worry! You can use repeated addition or draw a picture. For example, if you forget 6 × 7, you can think 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 42.

How long does it take to learn all times tables?

With daily practice, it can take a few weeks to a few months. The key is to practice a little every day, not just one big session.