Times Tables
4 times table pattern clues
Simple patterns, shortcuts and visual clues that make the 4 times table easier to remember.
Quick answer
The 4 times table follows a clear pattern where each answer increases by 4. You can spot this pattern by skip-counting in 4s, using repeated addition, or noticing that every answer is even and always ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to find and use patterns in the 4 times table to help you remember the facts quickly and easily. Success signs:- You can count in 4s from 0 to 48
- You can spot that all 4 times table answers are even numbers
- You can use a pattern to check if a number belongs in the 4 times table
- You can solve a problem using 4 times table patterns
Why this matters
Patterns in the 4 times table help you learn multiplication facts faster and more confidently. When you see a pattern, it's like having a secret code that helps you remember numbers. This skill will help you with bigger maths problems later, like division, fractions, and even money problems. Whether you're sharing 4 cookies with friends, counting 4-legged animals, or solving a puzzle, patterns in the 4 times table make your maths life easier.How it works
The 4 times table is built from equal groups of 4. Each time you multiply by 4, you are adding another group of 4. The pattern is simple: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52. You can see this pattern by skip-counting in 4s or by using repeated addition. Every number in the 4 times table is an even number because 4 is even, and even numbers multiplied by any number give even answers.Examples you can see
Let's look at some examples to help you see the pattern clearly. Example 1: Skip-counting in 4s 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 Example 2: Repeated addition 3 × 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 5 × 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20 Example 3: Arrays If you make a rectangle with 4 rows and 3 columns, you have 12 dots in total. That's 3 groups of 4, or 3 × 4 = 12. Example 4: Real-world pattern If you have 6 boxes, and each box has 4 toys inside, you can count how many toys there are in total. You can count by 4s: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24. So, 6 × 4 = 24 toys.Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Magic 4 Kingdom Imagine you're on a quest to find the secret treasure in the Magic 4 Kingdom. To get there, you must solve a riddle: "Every 4 steps I take, I find a new clue. If I take 12 steps, how many clues will I have found?" 1st time: 4 steps = 1 clue 2nd time: 8 steps = 2 clues 3rd time: 12 steps = 3 clues 4th time: 16 steps = 4 clues 5th time: 20 steps = 5 clues 6th time: 24 steps = 6 clues 7th time: 28 steps = 7 clues 8th time: 32 steps = 8 clues 9th time: 36 steps = 9 clues 10th time: 40 steps = 10 clues 11th time: 44 steps = 11 clues 12th time: 48 steps = 12 clues So, after 12 steps, you have found 12 clues. That means 12 × 4 = 48. The treasure is at the end of the 48th step!Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 4 × 4 = 14
Why it happens: Confusing 4 × 4 with 4 + 4 = 8, then adding 6 more
Fix: Remember that 4 × 4 = 16 because 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16 - Mistake: Forgetting that all answers in the 4 times table are even
Why it happens: Not noticing the pattern in the last digits
Fix: Notice that all answers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 - Mistake: Counting wrong when skip-counting in 4s
Why it happens: Rushing or getting confused
Fix: Use your fingers or draw dots to help you count
Parent and carer guide
To help your child with the 4 times table pattern clues, try these simple activities:- Count in 4s together, using fingers, toys, or steps
- Draw arrays or groups of 4 items to show multiplication
- Play a game where you say a number and ask if it's in the 4 times table
- Use real-life examples like 4 legs on a chair or 4 wheels on a car
- Encourage your child to look for even numbers in the 4 times table
Practice questions
- What is 7 × 4?
Answer: 28 - Is 36 in the 4 times table? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, because 36 ÷ 4 = 9, so 9 × 4 = 36 - What pattern do you see in the last digits of the 4 times table?
Answer: The pattern is 0, 4, 8, 2, 6, and it repeats - How many legs do 5 spiders have?
Answer: 20 legs (5 × 4 = 20) - Complete the sequence: 4, 8, 12, 16, ?, ?
Answer: 20, 24
FAQ
What is the 4 times table pattern?
The pattern in the 4 times table is that each number increases by 4. So, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and so on. Every number is also even.
How can I remember the 4 times table?
You can remember it by skip-counting in 4s, using arrays, or doubling the 2 times table answers. For example, 6 × 4 is the same as 6 × 2 + 6 × 2 = 12 + 12 = 24.
Why is every number in the 4 times table even?
Because 4 is an even number, and when you multiply any number by an even number, the result is always even.
Can I use the 4 times table to help with division?
Yes! If you know that 3 × 4 = 12, then you also know that 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
What is the biggest number in the 4 times table up to 100?
The biggest number in the 4 times table up to 100 is 96 (24 × 4 = 96).
Complete 4 times table facts
| 4 × | Answer |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 3 | 12 |
| 4 | 16 |
| 5 | 20 |
| 6 | 24 |
| 7 | 28 |
| 8 | 32 |
| 9 | 36 |
| 10 | 40 |
| 11 | 44 |
| 12 | 48 |