X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

10 times table in real life: base-ten blocks

Use base-ten blocks to make the 10 times table concrete, funny and memorable.

Quick answer

You can use base-ten blocks to show how the 10 times table works, making it easy to see that multiplying by 10 means adding one more group of ten each time.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use base-ten blocks to show the 10 times table and know that multiplying by 10 means adding one more group of ten. Success signs:
  • You can make 10, 20, 30, and so on using base-ten blocks
  • You can say what 4 x 10 means using blocks
  • You can show how 10 x 5 is the same as 5 groups of 10
  • You can solve 10 times table problems using blocks

Why this matters

Knowing the 10 times table helps you count quickly, solve bigger maths problems, and understand how numbers work. When you use base-ten blocks, you can see the pattern and feel the numbers in your hands. This makes learning easier and more fun. Base-ten blocks are a great way to learn because they let you build numbers and see how groups of ten work. Whether you are sharing cookies, counting your toys, or measuring how far you walk, understanding 10 times table helps you do it faster and better.

How it works

Base-ten blocks are special tools that help you see numbers. They have:
  • Small cubes that are 1 cm long, wide, and high (each cube = 1)
  • Long sticks made of 10 cubes stuck together (each stick = 10)
  • Flat squares made of 10 sticks (each square = 100)
  • Big cubes made of 10 squares (each cube = 1,000)
To show the 10 times table with blocks:
  1. Start with 1 group of ten (a long stick)
  2. Then add one more group of ten each time
  3. Count how many long sticks you have
  4. Write down the number of tens you made
Each time you add a group of ten, you are multiplying by 10.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how we can use base-ten blocks to show the 10 times table.
10 times table How to show it with blocks What it means
0 x 10 = 0 No blocks No groups of ten
1 x 10 = 10 1 long stick 1 group of ten
2 x 10 = 20 2 long sticks 2 groups of ten
3 x 10 = 30 3 long sticks 3 groups of ten
4 x 10 = 40 4 long sticks 4 groups of ten
5 x 10 = 50 5 long sticks 5 groups of ten
6 x 10 = 60 6 long sticks 6 groups of ten
7 x 10 = 70 7 long sticks 7 groups of ten
8 x 10 = 80 8 long sticks 8 groups of ten
9 x 10 = 90 9 long sticks 9 groups of ten
10 x 10 = 100 10 long sticks 10 groups of ten
11 x 10 = 110 11 long sticks 11 groups of ten
12 x 10 = 120 12 long sticks 12 groups of ten
You can also think of it like this:
  • 1 x 10 = 10 means 1 group of 10 cubes
  • 2 x 10 = 20 means 2 groups of 10 cubes
  • 3 x 10 = 30 means 3 groups of 10 cubes
Try this: if you have 5 long sticks, that means 5 x 10 = 50.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt! You start with 1 coin, and every time you find a clue, you get 10 more coins. How many coins do you have after finding 1 clue, 2 clues, 3 clues, and so on? Let’s do it together:
  1. 1st clue: 1 x 10 = 10 coins
  2. 2nd clue: 2 x 10 = 20 coins
  3. 3rd clue: 3 x 10 = 30 coins
  4. 4th clue: 4 x 10 = 40 coins
  5. 5th clue: 5 x 10 = 50 coins
  6. 6th clue: 6 x 10 = 60 coins
  7. 7th clue: 7 x 10 = 70 coins
  8. 8th clue: 8 x 10 = 80 coins
  9. 9th clue: 9 x 10 = 90 coins
  10. 10th clue: 10 x 10 = 100 coins
Now, you can use base-ten blocks to show how many coins you have after each clue. Make a long stick for every 10 coins. How many sticks do you have when you find 10 clues?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 3 x 10 = 30, but then saying 3 x 10 = 3.
  • Why it happens: Confusing the number of groups with the total.
  • Fix: Use blocks to show 3 groups of 10, and count all the cubes together.
  • Mistake: Counting the blocks wrong when making groups of ten.
  • Why it happens: Not checking if each group has exactly 10 cubes.
  • Fix: Make sure each group is exactly 10 cubes, and count them carefully.
  • Mistake: Mixing up 10 x 4 and 4 x 10.
  • Why it happens: Not understanding that the order doesn’t matter in multiplication.
  • Fix: Use blocks to show that 10 x 4 and 4 x 10 both make 40 cubes.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using base-ten blocks to show the 10 times table together
  • Letting children count the cubes to see how many groups of ten they make
  • Playing games like "How many groups of ten can you make?"
  • Using real-life situations, like counting money or toys
  • Encouraging children to build and talk about what they see
Here’s a quick 5-minute activity:
  1. Ask your child to make 3 groups of ten using blocks
  2. Count the cubes together
  3. Write the number sentence: 3 x 10 = 30
  4. Try another one: 7 x 10 = ?
Remember: Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes. They are part of learning. Keep it fun and hands-on!

Practice questions

  1. How many cubes are in 1 x 10?
  2. How many cubes are in 4 x 10?
  3. How many cubes are in 6 x 10?
  4. How many cubes are in 9 x 10?
  5. How many cubes are in 12 x 10?
Answers:
  1. 10 cubes
  2. 40 cubes
  3. 60 cubes
  4. 90 cubes
  5. 120 cubes

FAQ

What are base-ten blocks?

Base-ten blocks are tools that help you see numbers. They have small cubes (1), long sticks (10), flat squares (100), and big cubes (1,000).

Why is the 10 times table important?

It helps you count faster, understand bigger numbers, and makes other maths easier. It also helps with money, time, and measuring.

How do I use base-ten blocks to learn the 10 times table?

Use long sticks to show groups of ten. For 3 x 10, use 3 long sticks. Count how many cubes you have to find the answer.

Can I use base-ten blocks for other times tables?

Yes! You can use them for 2, 5, and 3 times tables too. Just change how many cubes are in each group.

What if I don’t have base-ten blocks?

You can use anything that comes in groups of ten: coins, pencils, buttons, or even your fingers. The idea is the same!