10 times table common mistakes

Quick answer

The 10 times table is easy to learn because you just add a zero to the number you're multiplying by. But children often make mistakes like thinking 10 x 3 = 300 or forgetting to add the zero. These errors can be fixed with clear models, practice, and real-life examples.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to multiply by 10 correctly and know how to spot and fix common mistakes in the 10 times table.

• You can multiply any number by 10 and get the right answer.
• You can explain why multiplying by 10 adds a zero.
• You can spot and fix common mistakes in the 10 times table.
• You can use the 10 times table in real-life situations like shopping or counting money.

Why this matters

Multiplying by 10 is a key skill that helps with bigger maths later. It's used in money (like 10p coins), measuring (like 10cm), and counting groups. If you get it wrong, it can cause confusion when you're working with larger numbers or solving problems. Knowing the 10 times table helps you do mental maths faster and builds your confidence in maths.

How it works

When you multiply by 10, you are adding one group of 10 to your number. You can think of it like:

1. 10 x 1 = 10 (one group of 10)
2. 10 x 2 = 20 (two groups of 10)
3. 10 x 3 = 30 (three groups of 10)
4. 10 x 4 = 40 (four groups of 10)
5. 10 x 5 = 50 (five groups of 10)
6. 10 x 6 = 60 (six groups of 10)
7. 10 x 7 = 70 (seven groups of 10)
8. 10 x 8 = 80 (eight groups of 10)
9. 10 x 9 = 90 (nine groups of 10)
10. 10 x 10 = 100 (ten groups of 10)
11. 10 x 11 = 110 (eleven groups of 10)
12. 10 x 12 = 120 (twelve groups of 10)

You can also think of it as moving the digits one place to the left and putting a zero in the ones place. For example, 5 x 10 = 50, because 5 moves to the tens place and 0 goes in the ones place.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how 10 times table works with real things you can see and touch:

• Imagine you have 3 bags of 10 apples. How many apples do you have? You have 3 groups of 10 apples, which is 30 apples.
• If you have 7 boxes, and each box has 10 crayons, how many crayons are there? That's 7 groups of 10, which is 70 crayons.
• When you walk 10 steps, you go 10 metres. If you take 5 sets of 10 steps, you go 50 metres.
• 10p coins are worth 10 pence. If you have 4 of them, you have 40 pence.

Here is the full 10 times table:

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great 10 Times Table Hunt

You are a treasure hunter, and you need to find 10 different items for your map. Each item is worth 10 points. You find:

1. 3 shells (3 x 10 = ?)
2. 5 coins (5 x 10 = ?)
3. 2 rocks (2 x 10 = ?)
4. 7 sticks (7 x 10 = ?)
5. 4 feathers (4 x 10 = ?)
6. 10 pebbles (10 x 10 = ?)
7. 6 leaves (6 x 10 = ?)
8. 9 berries (9 x 10 = ?)
9. 11 flowers (11 x 10 = ?)
10. 12 acorns (12 x 10 = ?)

Can you work out how many points you have for each item? Add them all up to see how many points you have in total!

Common mistakes

Even though multiplying by 10 is easy, children often make these mistakes:

1. Mistake: Thinking 10 x 3 = 300 instead of 30.
   Why it happens: Confusing the pattern with bigger numbers. The child might think that since 3 x 10 = 30, then 10 x 3 must be 300.
   Fix: Use visual models like groups of 10 or a number line. Show that 10 x 3 means 3 groups of 10, not 10 groups of 3.
2. Mistake: Forgetting to add the zero when multiplying by 10.
   Why it happens: Not understanding that multiplying by 10 means adding a zero at the end.
   Fix: Practice with a place value chart. Show that 5 x 10 = 50, so 5 moves to the tens place and 0 goes in the ones place.
3. Mistake: Thinking 10 x 0 = 10.
   Why it happens: Confusing the rule with addition. Children might think 0 + 10 = 10.
   Fix: Explain that 10 x 0 means zero groups of 10, so the answer is 0.
4. Mistake: Writing 10 x 7 = 71 instead of 70.
   Why it happens: Misreading or miswriting the answer.
   Fix: Practice writing the answers in a table or use flashcards to reinforce the correct answers.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with the 10 times table is simple and fun:

• Use everyday objects: Count 10p coins, or use 10 toys in groups to show multiplication.
• Play a game: Try saying a number and having your child say its 10 times table answer. You can race or make it a song.
• Be patient: If your child makes a mistake, gently explain the correct way using models or visual aids.
• Check understanding: Ask your child to explain how 10 x 4 = 40, and why they know it.
• Keep it light: Don’t make it feel like a test. Use it as a fun part of daily life.

Remember, mistakes are part of learning. If your child says 10 x 3 = 300, don’t correct them harshly. Instead, ask them to show you with objects or draw it out.

Practice questions

1. What is 10 x 6?
2. What is 10 x 11?
3. What is 10 x 0?
4. What is 10 x 8?
5. What is 10 x 12?
6. What is 10 x 3?
7. What is 10 x 9?
8. What is 10 x 2?
9. What is 10 x 5?
10. What is 10 x 7?

Answers:

1. 60
2. 110
3. 0
4. 80
5. 120
6. 30
7. 90
8. 20
9. 50
10. 70

FAQ

Why does multiplying by 10 add a zero?

When you multiply by 10, you are moving the digits one place to the left in the place value system. So 5 x 10 = 50, because 5 moves to the tens place and 0 fills the ones place.

What happens when you multiply 10 by 0?

10 x 0 = 0. This is because zero groups of anything is nothing.

How can I help my child remember the 10 times table?

You can use flashcards, games, counting in 10s, or real-life examples like 10p coins or 10 steps.

Is 10 x 10 = 100 the same as 10 + 10 = 20?

No. 10 x 10 means 10 groups of 10, which is 100. 10 + 10 means 2 groups of 10, which is 20.

What is the easiest way to learn the 10 times table?

The easiest way is to remember that you just add a zero to the number you are multiplying by. For example, 10 x 7 = 70.