X Tables
Times Table Methods

Times table snakes and ladders

Turn a board game into multiplication practice with jumps, challenges and bonus squares.

Quick answer

You can turn any board game like snakes and ladders into a fun times table learning adventure by adding multiplication challenges to each square. When you land on a square, you must solve a multiplication question to move forward – making maths practice exciting and engaging!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to play a times table snakes and ladders game that helps you learn your multiplication facts while having fun. Success signs:
  • You can solve multiplication questions quickly and easily
  • You understand how to use times tables to solve real-life problems
  • You can play a game that includes multiplication questions
  • You can explain how multiplication works using groups and arrays

Why this matters

Learning your times tables helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. When you know your multiplication facts, you can do things like share snacks equally, calculate how many cookies are in 4 packs, or work out how many wheels are on 7 cars. Times table snakes and ladders makes this learning feel like play, so you won’t even notice how much you’re improving!

How it works

Playing times table snakes and ladders is simple:
  1. Set up a board game like snakes and ladders
  2. Each square has a multiplication question to solve
  3. When you land on a square, solve the question
  4. If you get it right, move forward the number of spaces shown on the dice
  5. If you get it wrong, stay on the same square
  6. Land on special squares like “bonus” or “snake” for extra fun

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you're playing a snakes and ladders game where each square has a multiplication question. Here are some examples:
Square Multiplication Question Answer Move Forward
5 3 × 4 12 12 spaces
10 6 × 2 12 12 spaces
15 5 × 3 15 15 spaces
20 7 × 2 14 14 spaces
Real-world example: Imagine you are making cookies for a party. You need 5 trays, and each tray holds 6 cookies. How many cookies do you need in total? That’s 5 × 6 = 30 cookies. In a snakes and ladders game, landing on square 30 might let you move ahead 30 spaces!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Multiplication Quest You are a brave explorer on a treasure hunt! Each step of your journey takes you through a magical forest where you must solve multiplication puzzles to find your way. 1st time: You find a cave with 3 doors. Each door has 4 glowing crystals. How many crystals are there in total? 3 × 4 = ? 2nd time: You meet a friendly dragon who gives you 7 golden coins. You already have 2 coins. How many coins do you have now? 7 × 2 = ? 3rd time: You come across a river with 9 stepping stones. Each stone has 3 numbers written on it. What is the total of all the numbers? 9 × 3 = ? 4th time: You reach a magical tree that gives you 11 apples. You share them equally with 2 friends. How many apples does each friend get? 11 × 1 = ? 5th time: You find a chest with 12 locks. Each lock needs 1 key to open. How many keys do you need? 12 × 1 = ? Answer key: 1st time: 12 crystals 2nd time: 14 coins 3rd time: 27 numbers 4th time: 11 apples 5th time: 12 keys

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 5 × 3 = 8 Why it happens: Mixing up multiplication with addition Fix: Remember that 5 × 3 means 5 groups of 3, so 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15
  • Mistake: Forgetting that any number multiplied by 0 equals 0 Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition Fix: 5 × 0 = 0 because there are no groups of 5
  • Mistake: Solving 6 × 7 as 6 + 7 = 13 Why it happens: Not understanding that multiplication is repeated addition Fix: 6 × 7 = 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 42

Parent and carer guide

Playing times table snakes and ladders is a fun way to help your child learn multiplication. Here’s how to support them:
  • Encourage them to count the groups in their head or use fingers to help
  • Ask questions like “How many groups are there?” or “What is 4 groups of 3?”
  • Let them choose which times table they want to practice
  • Make it a game – celebrate correct answers with claps or smiles
  • Don’t worry if they get stuck – offer hints, not answers
  • Use everyday objects like toys or food to make multiplication visual

Practice questions

  1. What is 4 × 5?
  2. What is 7 × 3?
  3. What is 9 × 2?
  4. What is 6 × 4?
  5. What is 8 × 1?
Answers:
  1. 20
  2. 21
  3. 18
  4. 24
  5. 8

FAQ

What is the 3 times table?

The 3 times table is 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36. Each number is 3 more than the previous one.

How can I learn times tables quickly?

You can learn times tables quickly by practicing them every day, using flashcards, chanting them out loud, or playing games like snakes and ladders.

What are some fun ways to practice multiplication?

Fun ways to practice multiplication include playing board games, using arrays with blocks or counters, singing multiplication songs, and solving real-life problems like sharing food or counting wheels on cars.

Why is it important to learn multiplication?

Multiplication helps you solve problems faster, like working out how many items are in groups, calculating money, and understanding how things grow or repeat.

Can I use snakes and ladders for other maths?

Yes! You can use snakes and ladders for addition, subtraction, fractions, or even division. Just change the questions on each square to match your learning goal.

Complete Times Table Facts: 3 Times Table

3 × 0 3 × 1 3 × 2 3 × 3 3 × 4 3 × 5 3 × 6 3 × 7 3 × 8 3 × 9 3 × 10 3 × 11 3 × 12
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36