10 times table pattern clues

Quick answer

The 10 times table is easy to learn because the answers always end in zero, and you can just add a zero to any number to multiply it by 10.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply any number by 10 and quickly spot the pattern in the answers.

• You can say the 10 times table from 0 to 12.
• You know that multiplying by 10 always adds a zero to the end of the number.
• You can solve problems using the 10 times table.
• You can see the pattern in the answers and use it to check your work.

Why this matters

The 10 times table is special because it helps you do bigger maths problems quickly. When you know this pattern, you can:

• Count money faster – like £5 × 10 = £50
• Measure things easily – like 3 metres × 10 = 30 metres
• Play games and solve puzzles faster
• Understand bigger numbers in school

It’s also a great way to start learning other times tables because the pattern is so clear!

How it works

When you multiply any number by 10, you can think of it like this:

1. Take the number you want to multiply (like 4).
2. Write that number, then add a zero at the end (like 40).
3. That’s your answer!

This works because multiplying by 10 means you have 10 groups of that number. So 4 × 10 means 10 groups of 4, which is 40.

You can also think of it as moving the digits one place to the left on a place value chart. The 4 moves from the ones column to the tens column, and a zero is added in the ones column.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of the 10 times table:

Notice how all the answers end in zero? That’s the big clue!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt

You are on a treasure hunt! Every clue you find gives you a number, and you need to multiply it by 10 to find the next location. Here are your clues:

1. Clue 1: Find 3 coins. Multiply by 10 to find the next spot.
2. Clue 2: You see 7 trees. Multiply by 10 to find the treasure.
3. Clue 3: There are 12 birds. Multiply by 10 to know how many steps to take.

Can you work out the answers?

• 3 × 10 = 30
• 7 × 10 = 70
• 12 × 10 = 120

Now you know where to go next!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 10 × 10 = 100, but then forgetting that 10 × 10 = 100.
• Why it happens: Confusion with other times tables or forgetting that multiplying by 10 always adds a zero.
• Fix: Remember: 10 × 10 = 100. You can also count in 10s to check: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.
• Mistake: Adding a zero to the wrong place or thinking 3 × 10 = 300.
• Why it happens: Not understanding that the zero goes at the end, not the beginning.
• Fix: Use your fingers or draw dots to show groups of 10, then count the total.
• Mistake: Not realising that the pattern works for all numbers, including decimals or big numbers.
• Why it happens: Thinking that 10 × 10 = 100 is special and doesn’t follow the rule.
• Fix: Practice with numbers like 1.5 × 10 = 15. The same rule applies!

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn the 10 times table is easy and fun! Here are 5 ways you can support them in just 10 minutes:

1. Play counting games: Count in 10s together – 10, 20, 30, 40…
2. Use real-life objects: Put 5 apples in a bag, then 10 bags. How many apples? 5 × 10 = 50!
3. Draw the pattern: Ask your child to write the 10 times table and draw a line under the zeros.
4. Make a chart: Create a chart with numbers 0–12 and their 10 times table answers.
5. Check together: Ask them to multiply 8 × 10 and then check by counting 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80.

Don’t worry if they get confused at first. The pattern is simple, and with practice, it will stick!

Practice questions

1. What is 6 × 10?
2. What is 9 × 10?
3. What is 10 × 10?
4. What is 12 × 10?
5. What is 4 × 10?

Answers:

1. 60
2. 90
3. 100
4. 120
5. 40

FAQ

Why does multiplying by 10 always add a zero?

Because when you multiply by 10, you are making 10 groups of that number. So 3 × 10 means 10 groups of 3, which is 30. The zero is like a place holder showing that the 3 is now in the tens column.

Can I use this pattern with decimals?

Yes! 1.5 × 10 = 15. The decimal point moves one place to the right, and you add a zero if needed. So 1.5 × 10 = 15.0 or just 15.

Is 10 × 10 = 100 the hardest one?

No! It’s actually one of the easiest. It’s like saying 10 groups of 10, which is 100. You can count it in your head or use your fingers.

How can I remember this faster?

Try chanting the 10 times table together. You can also use a number line or draw groups of 10 to help you see the pattern.

What comes after 10 × 10?

After 10 × 10 = 100, the next one is 11 × 10 = 110, then 12 × 10 = 120. The pattern continues with a zero at the end!