X Tables
Times Tables

12 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 12s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 12s means counting by twelves: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 144, 156, 168, 180, 192, 204, 216, 228, 240, 252, 264, 276, 288, 300, and so on. You can count forwards or backwards in 12s to learn the 12 times table.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 12s using number lines, movement games, and call-and-response practice. Success signs:
  • You can say the 12 times table from 0 to 12 in order
  • You can count backwards in 12s from 144 to 0
  • You can use a number line to jump by 12s
  • You can play a skip-counting game with a friend or family member

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 12s helps you learn the 12 times table quickly and easily. It’s useful in real life when you're counting things like:
  • Boxes of eggs (12 eggs per box)
  • Months in a year (12 months)
  • Hours on a clock (12 hours per half day)
  • Football teams (11 players plus 1 goalkeeper = 12)
  • Twelve-month school calendar
It also helps with multiplication, division, and understanding patterns in numbers. When you know how to skip-count in 12s, you're ready to multiply by 12 faster and more confidently.

How it works

Skip-counting means jumping by the same number every time. To skip-count in 12s:
  1. Start at 0 or 12
  2. Add 12 each time to get the next number
  3. Keep going to build your 12 times table
You can also count backwards in 12s by subtracting 12 each time.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how skip-counting in 12s works with some examples: Example 1: Counting forwards in 12s
  1. Start at 0
  2. Add 12: 0 + 12 = 12
  3. Add 12 again: 12 + 12 = 24
  4. Add 12 again: 24 + 12 = 36
  5. Add 12 again: 36 + 12 = 48
  6. Add 12 again: 48 + 12 = 60
Example 2: Counting backwards in 12s
  1. Start at 144
  2. Subtract 12: 144 - 12 = 132
  3. Subtract 12 again: 132 - 12 = 120
  4. Subtract 12 again: 120 - 12 = 108
  5. Subtract 12 again: 108 - 12 = 96
  6. Subtract 12 again: 96 - 12 = 84
Example 3: Using a number line Imagine a number line that goes from 0 to 144. You start at 0 and jump by 12 each time:
  1. Jump from 0 to 12
  2. Jump from 12 to 24
  3. Jump from 24 to 36
  4. Jump from 36 to 48
  5. Jump from 48 to 60
Each jump is a skip of 12. This helps you see how the numbers grow.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Clock Tower Challenge You are a young explorer in a magical tower where the clock hands move in 12s. Your mission is to help the tower’s keeper count how many times the big hand moves around the clock in a day.
  1. Start at 12 o’clock
  2. Count how many times the big hand moves in 1 hour (12 jumps)
  3. Count how many times it moves in 2 hours (24 jumps)
  4. Count how many times it moves in 3 hours (36 jumps)
  5. Count how many times it moves in 4 hours (48 jumps)
  6. Count how many times it moves in 5 hours (60 jumps)
  7. Count how many times it moves in 6 hours (72 jumps)
  8. Count how many times it moves in 7 hours (84 jumps)
  9. Count how many times it moves in 8 hours (96 jumps)
  10. Count how many times it moves in 9 hours (108 jumps)
  11. Count how many times it moves in 10 hours (120 jumps)
  12. Count how many times it moves in 11 hours (132 jumps)
  13. Count how many times it moves in 12 hours (144 jumps)
Now, try counting backwards from 144 to 0 in 12s to see how many jumps it takes for the hand to return to 12 o’clock.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 12 each time when counting forwards.
    Why it happens: Children may get confused when the numbers get big.
    Fix: Use a number line or count on your fingers to help you remember the next number.
  • Mistake: Getting confused when counting backwards.
    Why it happens: It’s harder to subtract than to add.
    Fix: Practice counting backwards from 120 to 0 in 12s to build your confidence.
  • Mistake: Thinking 12 x 12 = 144, but not knowing how to get there.
    Why it happens: The numbers can look tricky.
    Fix: Use skip-counting to build the 12 times table step by step.

Parent and carer guide

Skip-counting in 12s is a fun way to learn the 12 times table. Here’s how you can help your child:
  • Use a number line to show the jumps in 12s
  • Play a call-and-response game: say “12” and your child says “24”, then “36”, and so on
  • Count in 12s while walking or driving to help your child hear the pattern
  • Use real-world examples like boxes of eggs or months in a year
  • Keep it light and fun – don’t make it feel like a test
If your child gets stuck, try using their fingers or drawing a number line to help them see the pattern.

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 12s from 0 to 60. What are the numbers?
  2. Count backwards in 12s from 120 to 0. What are the numbers?
  3. What is 12 x 5?
  4. What is 12 x 8?
  5. What is 12 x 12?
Answers:
  1. 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60
  2. 120, 108, 96, 84, 72, 60, 48, 36, 24, 12, 0
  3. 60
  4. 96
  5. 144

12 times table facts

12 × 0 12 × 1 12 × 2 12 × 3 12 × 4 12 × 5 12 × 6 12 × 7 12 × 8 12 × 9 12 × 10 12 × 11 12 × 12
0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144

FAQ

How can I practice skip-counting in 12s?

You can practice by counting with a number line, playing games with a friend, or singing a skip-counting song. Try counting in 12s while walking or driving to school.

Why is skip-counting in 12s helpful?

It helps you learn the 12 times table quickly, and it’s useful in real life when you're counting things like eggs, months, or hours on a clock.

What’s the easiest way to remember 12 x 12?

One way is to skip-count in 12s from 0 to 144. Another way is to think of it as 12 x 10 = 120, plus 12 x 2 = 24, so 120 + 24 = 144.

Can I count backwards in 12s?

Yes! Counting backwards in 12s is just like counting forwards, but you subtract 12 each time. For example: 144, 132, 120, 108, 96, 84, 72, 60, 48, 36, 24, 12, 0.

How can I make skip-counting fun?

You can make it into a game! Try clapping or jumping while counting, or use a timer to see how fast you can count in 12s.