X Tables
Times Tables Real Life

Fingers On One Hand 5 times table adventure

A story-led page turning fingers on one hand into a junior adventure for practising the 5 times table.

Quick answer

You can use the fingers on one hand to help you learn and remember the 5 times table. Each finger stands for 5, so five fingers equal 25, and ten fingers equal 50.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply any number by 5 using your fingers, and you will understand how this helps you solve real-life problems. Success signs:
  • You can count in 5s using your fingers
  • You can solve 5 times table problems using your fingers
  • You can connect your finger counting to real-life situations
  • You can explain how 5 times table helps you in daily life

Why this matters

Learning the 5 times table helps you do maths faster and easier. It’s useful for:
  • Counting money (coins and notes)
  • Measuring time (minutes on a clock)
  • Shopping and sharing
  • Playing games and sports
  • Building and making patterns
When you know your 5 times table, you can quickly solve problems like: "If I have 4 groups of 5 apples, how many apples do I have?" or "If I walk 5 steps 6 times, how many steps have I walked?"

How it works

Here's how to use your fingers to multiply by 5:
  1. Hold up one hand with all fingers extended
  2. Each finger stands for 5
  3. Count how many fingers you're using
  4. Multiply the number of fingers by 5 to get your answer
For example:
  • 1 finger = 1 x 5 = 5
  • 2 fingers = 2 x 5 = 10
  • 3 fingers = 3 x 5 = 15
  • 4 fingers = 4 x 5 = 20
  • 5 fingers = 5 x 5 = 25

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are a space explorer and you need to count alien coins. Each coin is worth 5 points. If you collect 3 coins, how many points do you have?
  • 3 fingers = 3 x 5 = 15 points
Another example: You are a chef making pizza. Each pizza needs 5 ingredients. If you make 6 pizzas, how many ingredients do you need?
  • 6 fingers = 6 x 5 = 30 ingredients
Or think about a football game. Each goal is worth 5 points. If a team scores 7 goals, how many points do they have?
  • 7 fingers = 7 x 5 = 35 points

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt! You find a map with clues. Each clue gives you 5 steps to take. You follow 8 clues.
  • How many steps do you take in total?
You are a pirate and need to count your gold coins. Each coin is worth 5 gold pieces. You find 9 coins.
  • How much gold do you have?
You are a gardener and plant 5 flowers in each row. You plant 4 rows.
  • How many flowers do you plant?
Let's solve these together:
  1. 8 clues x 5 steps = 40 steps
  2. 9 coins x 5 gold pieces = 45 gold pieces
  3. 4 rows x 5 flowers = 20 flowers

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 5 x 5 = 20 instead of 25
    Why it happens: Confusing 5 x 5 with 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25
    Fix: Use your fingers to count 5 fingers = 5 x 5 = 25
  • Mistake: Counting 6 fingers as 6 x 5 = 30 instead of 30
    Why it happens: Forgetting that 6 fingers = 6 x 5 = 30
    Fix: Use your fingers and count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 fingers = 6 x 5 = 30
  • Mistake: Adding 5 to the answer instead of multiplying
    Why it happens: Mixing up the times table with addition
    Fix: Use fingers to show 3 fingers = 3 x 5 = 15, not 3 + 5 = 8

Parent and carer guide

Help your child practice the 5 times table using their fingers:
  • Play finger games together: "Show me 3 fingers, what is 3 x 5?"
  • Use everyday situations: "If we have 4 cups and each has 5 biscuits, how many biscuits?"
  • Count together: "One finger = 5, two fingers = 10, three fingers = 15"
  • Make it fun: Use toys or snacks to show groups of 5
  • Be patient: It takes time to learn, and that's okay

Practice questions

  1. How many points if you collect 2 coins, each worth 5 points?
  2. If you have 3 groups of 5 apples, how many apples?
  3. How many minutes if you count 7 five-minute intervals?
  4. How many legs if you see 5 spiders?
  5. If you walk 5 steps 8 times, how many steps?
Answers:
  1. 2 x 5 = 10 points
  2. 3 x 5 = 15 apples
  3. 7 x 5 = 35 minutes
  4. 5 x 5 = 25 legs
  5. 5 x 8 = 40 steps

FAQ

How can I use my fingers to multiply by 5?

Each finger stands for 5. So if you hold up 4 fingers, that's 4 x 5 = 20.

What is 5 x 5?

5 x 5 = 25. You can check by holding up 5 fingers, each worth 5, so 5 x 5 = 25.

Why is the 5 times table useful?

The 5 times table helps you count money, measure time, and solve problems quickly in daily life.

Can I use this method for other numbers?

Yes, you can use your fingers to help with other times tables too, like 2s, 10s, and 11s.

How can I remember the 5 times table?

Use your fingers, count in 5s, and practice with real-life examples like counting coins or time.

5 Times Table Facts

5 Times Table Facts
Number 5 x Number
0 0
1 5
2 10
3 15
4 20
5 25
6 30
7 35
8 40
9 45
10 50
11 55
12 60