5 times table common mistakes

Quick answer

The 5 times table is easy to learn, but children often make common mistakes like counting by 5s incorrectly, confusing 5 x 5 with 5 + 5, or forgetting that 5 x 0 = 0. These can be fixed by using visual models, skip counting, and real-life examples.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand the 5 times table and know how to avoid common mistakes when multiplying by 5.

• You can count in 5s from 0 to 60
• You know that any number multiplied by 0 equals 0
• You can use objects or drawings to solve 5 times table problems
• You can spot and fix common mistakes in 5 times table questions

Why this matters

Knowing the 5 times table helps you solve everyday problems quickly. Whether you're sharing 5 sweets with friends, counting the legs of 4 spiders, or working out how much 5 footballs cost, the 5 times table is useful. It also helps you build up to harder multiplication facts and makes division easier too.

How it works

The 5 times table is made by adding 5 each time. You can think of it as:

1. 0 groups of 5 = 0
2. 1 group of 5 = 5
3. 2 groups of 5 = 10
4. 3 groups of 5 = 15
5. 4 groups of 5 = 20
6. 5 groups of 5 = 25
7. 6 groups of 5 = 30
8. 7 groups of 5 = 35
9. 8 groups of 5 = 40
10. 9 groups of 5 = 45
11. 10 groups of 5 = 50
12. 11 groups of 5 = 55
13. 12 groups of 5 = 60

You can also think of it as skip counting by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60.

Examples you can see

Here are some fun ways to imagine the 5 times table:

• Counting with fingers: Hold up 5 fingers, then 10 fingers, then 15 fingers. That’s 1 x 5 = 5, 2 x 5 = 10, 3 x 5 = 15.
• Arrays: If you draw 3 rows of 5 stars, you have 3 x 5 = 15 stars.
• Real-world example: You have 6 bags, and each bag has 5 apples. How many apples do you have? 6 x 5 = 30 apples.

Here is the full 5 times table:

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Number Hunt

You are on a treasure hunt in a magical forest. You must solve 5 times table puzzles to find the hidden treasure. Each puzzle gives you a clue:

1. Find 3 groups of 5 golden coins = ? coins
2. Count 7 groups of 5 butterflies = ? butterflies
3. How many legs do 4 spiders have? (Each spider has 5 legs)
4. Find 9 groups of 5 stars = ? stars
5. What is 12 x 5? = ?

Can you solve all 5 puzzles to get your treasure?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 5 x 5 = 5 + 5 = 10 instead of 5 x 5 = 25
• Why it happens: Children often confuse multiplication with addition and forget that 5 x 5 means 5 groups of 5, not 5 + 5.
• Fix: Use arrays or draw 5 rows of 5 items to show that 5 x 5 = 25.
• Mistake: Forgetting that 5 x 0 = 0
• Why it happens: Zero is tricky, and children might think "nothing times 5 is still nothing" but not understand that 0 groups of 5 is 0.
• Fix: Show 0 groups of 5 items = 0 items. Try using 0 coins in 0 pockets = 0 coins.
• Mistake: Skipping numbers when counting by 5s
• Why it happens: It’s easy to say 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and miss a number or go too fast.
• Fix: Use your fingers or count aloud slowly, or write out the numbers.
• Mistake: Mixing up 5 x 6 and 6 x 5
• Why it happens: Children sometimes get confused with the order of numbers in multiplication.
• Fix: Show that 5 x 6 and 6 x 5 both equal 30 using the same array or groups.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child learn the 5 times table with these tips:

1. Practice skip counting: Count 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 together. Use your fingers or a number line.
2. Use objects: Use 5 coins or 5 blocks to show 1 x 5, 2 x 5, and so on.
3. Play games: Try a game where you roll a dice and multiply by 5. Or make up a song with 5s!
4. Ask questions: “If you have 4 groups of 5 apples, how many apples do you have?”
5. Don’t rush: Let your child take their time. Mistakes are part of learning!

Practice questions

1. What is 5 x 7?
2. How many legs do 3 spiders have?
3. What is 5 x 0?
4. Find 9 groups of 5 = ?
5. What is 5 x 11?

Answers:

1. 35
2. 15 legs
3. 0
4. 45
5. 55

FAQ

Why is the 5 times table easy to learn?

Because the numbers always end in 0 or 5 (like 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60). This pattern makes it easier to remember.

What is 5 x 0?

5 x 0 = 0. If you have 0 groups of 5, you have 0 in total.

How can I help my child with 5 times table mistakes?

Use visual models like drawings or blocks. Practice skip counting. Ask your child to explain their thinking. Don’t correct them too quickly – let them make mistakes and learn from them.

Can I use a number line to learn the 5 times table?

Yes! Start at 0, then jump 5 each time. 0 → 5 → 10 → 15 → 20 → 25 → 30 → 35 → 40 → 45 → 50 → 55 → 60.

Is 5 x 5 the same as 5 + 5?

No! 5 x 5 means 5 groups of 5, which is 25. 5 + 5 is just 10. Always remember: multiplication is repeated addition of equal groups.