X Tables
Times Tables

10 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 10s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 10s means counting by adding 10 each time, like 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and so on. You can also count backwards in 10s, like 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, and so on. This helps you learn your 10 times table quickly and easily.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 10s from 0 to 120 and use this skill to solve simple maths problems. Success signs:
  • You can say the 10 times table from 0 to 120
  • You can count backwards in 10s from 120 to 0
  • You can use skip-counting to find answers to multiplication problems
  • You can use a number line to show your skip-counting

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 10s is a super helpful way to learn your 10 times table. It’s like a shortcut that makes it easier to count, add, and multiply by 10. You’ll use this skill when:
  • Counting money (like 10p, 20p, 30p)
  • Measuring lengths in metres
  • Reading clocks (like 10 o’clock, 20 o’clock)
  • Playing games with scores (like 10 points, 20 points)
  • Learning bigger multiplication tables later

How it works

Counting in 10s means you start with a number and keep adding 10 each time. Here’s how it works:
  1. Start at 0
  2. Add 10 to get the next number
  3. Keep adding 10 to get the next number
  4. Repeat until you reach 120
You can also count backwards:
  1. Start at 120
  2. Take away 10 to get the next number
  3. Keep taking away 10
  4. Repeat until you reach 0

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some examples of skip-counting in 10s: Counting forwards:
  • 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120
Counting backwards:
  • 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 0
Using a number line: You can draw a number line and jump 10 spaces each time to show skip-counting. If you start at 0, your jumps would be:
  • 0 → 10 → 20 → 30 → 40 → 50 → 60 → 70 → 80 → 90 → 100 → 110 → 120
Real-world example: Imagine you are counting the number of steps in a long staircase. You count every 10 steps:
  • Step 10
  • Step 20
  • Step 30
  • Step 40
  • Step 50
This helps you know how many steps you’ve climbed without counting each one.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 10s Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt in a magical garden. Each step you take, you must count in 10s. You start at 0.
  1. 1st time: 0 + 10 = ?
  2. 2nd time: ? + 10 = ?
  3. 3rd time: ? + 10 = ?
  4. 4th time: ? + 10 = ?
  5. 5th time: ? + 10 = ?
If you get to 50, you find a key. If you get to 100, you find a treasure chest. How many times do you need to count in 10s to get to 100?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 10 each time and jumping by 1s or 2s instead.
    Why it happens: The child is not focused on the pattern or is rushing.
    Fix: Use a number line or count on your fingers to help keep track of the jumps.
  • Mistake: Counting backwards but forgetting to take away 10.
    Why it happens: Confusion between counting forwards and backwards.
    Fix: Practice with a number line going backwards. Say “take away 10” each time.
  • Mistake: Getting confused when reaching 100 or 120.
    Why it happens: Numbers get bigger and harder to remember.
    Fix: Use visual aids like blocks or drawings to help count to 120.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child practice skip-counting in 10s in these ways:
  • Count together when walking to school or driving in the car, saying 10, 20, 30, 40, etc.
  • Use your fingers or a number line to show the jumps.
  • Play a game where you say a number and your child counts in 10s from there.
  • Use real-life examples like money or steps to make it fun.
  • Don’t worry if your child makes a mistake. It’s part of learning!

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 10s from 0 to 120. What is the 7th number?
  2. Count backwards in 10s from 120 to 0. What is the 6th number?
  3. What is 3 x 10?
  4. What is 8 x 10?
  5. What is 11 x 10?
Answers:
  1. 60
  2. 60
  3. 30
  4. 80
  5. 110

FAQ

What is skip-counting?

Skip-counting means counting by a number other than 1. For example, counting in 10s means you count 10, 20, 30, 40, and so on.

Why is skip-counting in 10s useful?

It helps you learn your 10 times table quickly. It also helps with adding and multiplying by 10, which is a skill you’ll use in many real-life situations.

How can I practice skip-counting in 10s?

You can practice by counting out loud, using a number line, jumping on a number line, or playing games with numbers.

Can I count backwards in 10s too?

Yes! You can count backwards in 10s just like forwards. For example, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, and so on.

What is the 10 times table?

The 10 times table is the multiplication table for 10. It goes like this: 0 x 10 = 0, 1 x 10 = 10, 2 x 10 = 20, 3 x 10 = 30, and so on, up to 12 x 10 = 120.

10 times table facts

Multiplication Answer
0 x 10 0
1 x 10 10
2 x 10 20
3 x 10 30
4 x 10 40
5 x 10 50
6 x 10 60
7 x 10 70
8 x 10 80
9 x 10 90
10 x 10 100
11 x 10 110
12 x 10 120