10 times table in real life: fingers and toes

Quick answer

Learning outcome

• You can count in 10s up to 120
• You can say the 10 times table from 0 x 10 to 12 x 10
• You can use your fingers and toes to show how 10 x 3 = 30
• You can solve simple word problems using the 10 times table

Why this matters

• Counting money (like 10p, 20p, 30p)
• Measuring things (like 10cm, 20cm, 30cm)
• Playing games where you need to count in 10s
• Helping with bigger maths like multiplication and division

How it works

• 1 group of 10 = 10
• 2 groups of 10 = 20
• 3 groups of 10 = 30
• 4 groups of 10 = 40
• 5 groups of 10 = 50
• 6 groups of 10 = 60
• 7 groups of 10 = 70
• 8 groups of 10 = 80
• 9 groups of 10 = 90
• 10 groups of 10 = 100
• 11 groups of 10 = 110
• 12 groups of 10 = 120

Examples you can see

• One hand = 5 fingers
• One foot = 5 toes
• One group of 10 = 1 hand + 1 foot = 10 fingers and toes
• Two groups of 10 = 2 hands + 2 feet = 20 fingers and toes
• Three groups of 10 = 3 hands + 3 feet = 30 fingers and toes

Try it as a mini adventure

• 1st city = 10 helpers
• 2nd city = 10 helpers
• 3rd city = 10 helpers
• 4th city = 10 helpers
• 5th city = 10 helpers
• 6th city = 10 helpers
• 7th city = 10 helpers
• 8th city = 10 helpers
• 9th city = 10 helpers
• 10th city = 10 helpers
• 11th city = 10 helpers
• 12th city = 10 helpers

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 10 x 10 = 100, but confusing it with 10 + 10 = 20.
  Why it happens: Mixing up multiplication and addition.
  Fix: Remember that multiplication means groups of something. 10 x 10 = 10 groups of 10 = 100.
• Mistake: Counting 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130.
  Why it happens: Forgetting that 12 x 10 = 120, not 130.
  Fix: Practice counting in 10s and check with your fingers and toes.
• Mistake: Thinking 0 x 10 = 10.
  Why it happens: Not understanding that zero groups means nothing.
  Fix: Zero groups of 10 = 0.

Parent and carer guide

• Count in 10s together using fingers and toes
• Ask your child to show 5 x 10 using their fingers
• Use everyday objects like socks or shoes to show 10s
• Play a game: “What is 8 x 10? Show me with your fingers!”
• Don’t worry if your child makes a mistake – it’s part of learning

• “Great job showing 7 x 10!”
• “Let’s count 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 together!”
• “How many fingers do you see when you show 3 x 10?”

• Don’t rush or pressure your child
• Don’t say “You’re so slow” or “Why can’t you get it?”
• Don’t compare with other children

Practice questions

1. How many fingers are there in 4 groups?
2. What is 9 x 10?
3. How many toes are in 6 groups?
4. What is 11 x 10?
5. How many fingers and toes in 12 groups?

1. 40 fingers
2. 90
3. 60 toes
4. 110
5. 120 fingers and toes

FAQ

How can I use my fingers to learn the 10 times table?

You can count 10 fingers or toes for each group. For example, 3 x 10 means 3 groups of 10 fingers or toes = 30.

Why is the 10 times table easy to learn?

Because when you multiply by 10, you just add a zero to the number you are multiplying. For example, 5 x 10 = 50.

Can I use toes too?

Yes! You have 10 toes on each foot, so 2 feet = 20 toes. Use them to show groups of 10.

What if I forget the 10 times table?

You can always count in 10s or use your fingers and toes to help you remember.

How can I practice the 10 times table?

Count in 10s, use your fingers and toes, or play games where you multiply by 10.

Complete 10 times table facts