X Tables
Times Tables

2 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 2s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Counting in 2s is called skip-counting, and it helps you learn your 2 times table quickly. You can count forwards and backwards in 2s, like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on, or 10, 8, 6, 4, 2.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 2s, and you will know the 2 times table from 0 to 12. Success signs:
  • You can count in 2s from 0 to 24
  • You can count backwards in 2s from 24 to 0
  • You can say the 2 times table facts from 0 × 2 to 12 × 2
  • You can use skip-counting to solve simple problems

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 2s helps you learn your 2 times table quickly. This skill is useful in many situations:
  • When you are counting pairs of socks or shoes
  • When you are counting in twos for money (like 2p, 4p, 6p)
  • When you are learning to multiply by 2
  • When you are counting the number of legs on animals
  • When you are playing games that use even numbers

How it works

Skip-counting means counting by a number other than 1. When you count in 2s, you start with 2 and add 2 each time.
  1. Start with 2
  2. Add 2 to get the next number
  3. Keep adding 2 to get the next number
You can also count backwards in 2s by starting with a big even number and subtracting 2 each time.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some examples of counting in 2s. Counting forwards in 2s:
  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
Counting backwards in 2s:
  • 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
Here is the full 2 times table from 0 to 12:
2 × Answer
0 × 2 0
1 × 2 2
2 × 2 4
3 × 2 6
4 × 2 8
5 × 2 10
6 × 2 12
7 × 2 14
8 × 2 16
9 × 2 18
10 × 2 20
11 × 2 22
12 × 2 24
You can also imagine this as groups of 2:
  • 0 groups of 2 = 0
  • 1 group of 2 = 2
  • 2 groups of 2 = 4
  • 3 groups of 2 = 6
  • 4 groups of 2 = 8
  • 5 groups of 2 = 10
  • 6 groups of 2 = 12
  • 7 groups of 2 = 14
  • 8 groups of 2 = 16
  • 9 groups of 2 = 18
  • 10 groups of 2 = 20
  • 11 groups of 2 = 22
  • 12 groups of 2 = 24

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer, and you are on a mission to count the number of alien footprints on a planet. Each footprint is 2 steps apart. Adventure: Footprints on Planet X
  • 1st time: You see 2 footprints
  • 2nd time: You count 4 footprints
  • 3rd time: You count 6 footprints
  • 4th time: You count 8 footprints
  • 5th time: You count 10 footprints
  • 6th time: You count 12 footprints
  • 7th time: You count 14 footprints
  • 8th time: You count 16 footprints
  • 9th time: You count 18 footprints
  • 10th time: You count 20 footprints
  • 11th time: You count 22 footprints
  • 12th time: You count 24 footprints
Now, try counting backwards from 24 footprints to 0.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting 2, 4, 6, 9, 10
    Why it happens: The child skips a number or counts incorrectly.
    Fix: Use your fingers or objects to count in 2s and double-check.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 0 × 2 = 0
    Why it happens: The child thinks you can't have 0 groups.
    Fix: Explain that 0 groups of 2 is still 0.
  • Mistake: Counting backwards and going below 0
    Why it happens: The child is not careful with subtraction.
    Fix: Use a number line or physical objects to help with backwards counting.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practising counting in 2s with your child every day
  • Using everyday objects like socks, shoes, or buttons to count in 2s
  • Playing games like "Counting in 2s" while walking or driving
  • Using a number line to show how 2s work
  • Encouraging your child to say the 2 times table out loud
Here are some quick tips:
  • Use songs or rhymes to help remember the 2 times table
  • Practice counting in 2s while playing games
  • Use your fingers or counters to help count
  • Ask your child to count backwards in 2s

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 2s from 0 to 24
  2. Count backwards in 2s from 24 to 0
  3. What is 7 × 2?
  4. What is 11 × 2?
  5. What is 0 × 2?
  6. What is 12 × 2?
  7. How many pairs of socks are in 5 pairs?
  8. How many legs do 6 chickens have?
Answers:
  1. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
  2. 24, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0
  3. 14
  4. 22
  5. 0
  6. 24
  7. 10
  8. 12

FAQ

Why do we count in 2s?

Counting in 2s helps us learn multiplication quickly. It's also useful for counting pairs of things like socks, shoes, or eyes.

How can I remember the 2 times table?

You can remember the 2 times table by counting in 2s. You can also use your fingers or objects to help you.

What are some real-life examples of counting in 2s?

Some examples are counting pairs of socks, counting the number of legs on animals, counting coins, or counting in even numbers.

Is it hard to count backwards in 2s?

Counting backwards in 2s can be tricky at first, but with practice, it gets easier. You can use a number line or physical objects to help.

Can I use skip-counting for other numbers?

Yes! You can count in 3s, 4s, 5s, and so on. This is called skip-counting, and it helps with learning multiplication tables.