X Tables
Times Table Methods

How to use a times table grid

Guide children through reading, filling and discovering patterns in a multiplication square.

Quick answer

A times table grid is a helpful tool that shows all multiplication facts in a grid format. You can use it to find answers, check your work, and discover patterns in multiplication.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use a times table grid to find multiplication answers, fill in missing numbers, and notice patterns in multiplication. Success signs:
  • You can find any multiplication fact using the grid
  • You can fill in missing numbers in a grid
  • You can spot patterns like how numbers go up by the same amount each time
  • You can use the grid to check your multiplication answers

Why this matters

Times table grids help you understand multiplication better. They are like a map that shows all the multiplication facts in one place. When you use a grid, you can:
  • See how multiplication works in a visual way
  • Check if your answers are right
  • Notice patterns that make multiplication easier
  • Learn multiplication facts more quickly
In games, sports, and everyday life, you use multiplication all the time. For example, when you buy 3 bags of apples with 4 apples in each bag, you need to multiply 3 × 4 to find the total. A times table grid helps you work this out quickly.

How it works

A times table grid is made of rows and columns. Each row shows one number multiplied by all the numbers from 0 to 12. Each column shows another number multiplied by all the numbers from 0 to 12. The point where a row and column meet shows the answer to that multiplication. To use a grid:
  1. Find the row for the first number you want to multiply
  2. Find the column for the second number you want to multiply
  3. Follow the row across and the column down until they meet
  4. The number where they meet is your answer

Examples you can see

Let's look at a 5 × 6 multiplication. Find the row for 5 and the column for 6. The number where they meet is 30. So 5 × 6 = 30. Here's a full 5 times table grid to help you see how it works:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
4 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
6 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
7 0 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
8 0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
9 0 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108
10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
11 0 11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132
12 0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a treasure hunter! You have a map that shows a grid of numbers. Your mission is to find the treasure by solving multiplication problems using the grid. Here's your adventure:
  1. First, you find the row for 4
  2. Then, you find the column for 7
  3. You follow the row and column to where they meet
  4. The number there is the clue to find your treasure!
Try these clues:
  1. Find 4 × 7
  2. Find 6 × 8
  3. Find 9 × 5
What numbers did you find? If you got 28, 48, and 45, you're a treasure master!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Looking at the wrong row or column
    Why it happens: You might get confused about which number is which.
    Fix: Double-check that you are looking at the correct row and column labels before you start.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to look at the meeting point of row and column
    Why it happens: You might follow the row or column but not where they meet.
    Fix: Use your finger or a pencil to trace the row and column to the meeting point.
  • Mistake: Thinking that the grid only works for small numbers
    Why it happens: You might think the grid only works for numbers up to 10.
    Fix: Remember that the grid goes up to 12 × 12, so you can use it for any multiplication up to that point.
  • Mistake: Not using the grid to check answers
    Why it happens: You might think you know the answer without checking.
    Fix: Always use the grid to double-check your answers, especially when you're learning.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child use a times table grid by:
  • Practicing together with simple multiplication problems
  • Encouraging them to look at the grid as a helpful tool, not a crutch
  • Pointing out patterns like how the numbers go up by the same amount each time
  • Using the grid to check their work
  • Letting them make their own grid to help them learn
To help in 5-10 minutes:
  1. Ask your child to find 3 × 4 on the grid
  2. Ask them to find 6 × 7
  3. Ask them to notice what happens when you go down a column or across a row
  4. Encourage them to write down the patterns they notice
Remember, it's okay if they make mistakes. The grid helps them learn and grow!

Practice questions

  1. What is 5 × 6?
  2. What is 8 × 3?
  3. What is 11 × 4?
  4. What is 7 × 9?
  5. What is 12 × 2?
Answers:
  1. 30
  2. 24
  3. 44
  4. 63
  5. 24

FAQ

What is a times table grid?

A times table grid is a table that shows all multiplication facts in a grid format. It helps you find answers quickly and see patterns.

How do I read a times table grid?

Find the row for the first number and the column for the second number. The number where they meet is your answer.

Can I use a times table grid for any multiplication?

Yes! A full grid goes up to 12 × 12, so you can use it for any multiplication up to that point.

Why is using a grid helpful?

A grid helps you see patterns, check your answers, and learn multiplication facts more easily.

How can I make my own times table grid?

You can draw one on paper or use a computer to make a grid with numbers from 0 to 12 on both rows and columns.