X Tables
Times Tables

4 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 4s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 4s means counting by adding 4 each time, like 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and so on. You can count forwards and backwards in 4s to help learn the 4 times table.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 4s and use skip-counting to help you learn the 4 times table. Success signs:
  • You can say the 4 times table forwards and backwards
  • You can count in 4s starting from any number
  • You can use skip-counting to solve simple multiplication problems
  • You can play a game or do a fun activity using 4s skip-counting

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 4s helps you learn the 4 times table quickly and easily. It’s like a shortcut to multiplication! You’ll use this skill when you’re sharing 4 cookies with friends, counting the legs of 5 spiders, or jumping 4 steps at a time. This skill is also useful for bigger maths later on, like working with fractions, division, and times tables.

How it works

Counting in 4s means you add 4 each time to get the next number. You can start at 0 or any number and keep adding 4. Here's how to do it step by step:
  1. Start at 0 or any number
  2. Add 4 to get the next number
  3. Keep adding 4 to continue the sequence
  4. You can also go backwards by taking away 4 each time

Examples you can see

Here’s how skip-counting in 4s looks in a number line: Counting in 4s forwards
StepNumber
1st0
2nd4
3rd8
4th12
5th16
6th20
7th24
8th28
9th32
10th36
11th40
12th44
13th48
Now let’s look at how skip-counting backwards works: Counting in 4s backwards
StepNumber
1st48
2nd44
3rd40
4th36
5th32
6th28
7th24
8th20
9th16
10th12
11th8
12th4
13th0
Let’s try a fun example. Imagine you are jumping on a trampoline. Each jump is 4 feet high. If you jump 1 time, you go 4 feet. If you jump 2 times, you go 8 feet. If you jump 3 times, you go 12 feet. How far do you go if you jump 5 times? You can skip-count in 4s to find out: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20. So you go 20 feet.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a 4s treasure hunt! You are a pirate looking for treasure on an island. You start at 0 and need to find 4 treasure chests. You move 4 steps forward each time to find a chest.
  1. 1st chest: 0 + 4 = 4
  2. 2nd chest: 4 + 4 = 8
  3. 3rd chest: 8 + 4 = 12
  4. 4th chest: 12 + 4 = 16
Now, to get back to your ship, you need to count backwards. You start at 16 and go back 4 steps each time.
  1. Back to 12
  2. Back to 8
  3. Back to 4
  4. Back to 0
Can you do this with a friend? Take turns counting forwards and backwards in 4s. See who can count the furthest!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting by 5s instead of 4s
    Why it happens: Confusing the numbers
    Fix: Use your fingers or a number line to help you stay on track
  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 4 each time
    Why it happens: Not paying attention or getting distracted
    Fix: Say the numbers out loud and count with your hands or a timer
  • Mistake: Starting at the wrong number
    Why it happens: Not reading the instructions carefully
    Fix: Always check the starting number and double-check your counting

Parent and carer guide

Skip-counting in 4s is a fun and easy way to help your child learn the 4 times table. Here’s how to help:
  • Practice with your child daily for 5-10 minutes
  • Use a number line or counting beads to make it visual
  • Play games like counting 4s while walking or jumping
  • Ask your child to count 4s in different directions (forwards and backwards)
  • Encourage them to say the numbers out loud to help with memory
  • Don’t worry if they make mistakes – that’s part of learning!

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 4s from 0 to 20: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20
  2. Count backwards in 4s from 32 to 0: 32, 28, 24, 20, 16, 12, 8, 4, 0
  3. What is 4 + 4 + 4 + 4? 16
  4. How many 4s are in 24? 6
  5. What is 4 x 7? 28

Full 4 times table facts

4 times table facts
4 × 04 × 14 × 24 × 34 × 44 × 54 × 64 × 74 × 84 × 94 × 104 × 114 × 12
04812162024283236404448

FAQ

How do I remember skip-counting in 4s?

Try counting with your fingers or using a number line. You can also use songs or clapping rhythms to help!

Can I count backwards in 4s?

Yes! Counting backwards in 4s means subtracting 4 each time. For example: 20, 16, 12, 8, 4, 0.

Why is skip-counting useful?

It helps you learn multiplication tables faster and makes it easier to solve problems involving groups of 4.

What if I get confused while counting?

It’s okay! Take your time, use a number line, or count with your fingers. Practice makes progress!

Can I use skip-counting in real life?

Yes! For example, if you have 4 legs on each chair, you can count how many legs there are in total by skip-counting in 4s.