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5 times table pattern clues

Simple patterns, shortcuts and visual clues that make the 5 times table easier to remember.

Quick answer

The 5 times table pattern clues help you learn the 5 times table quickly and easily by spotting simple patterns. When you multiply by 5, the answers always end in either 0 or 5, and the numbers go up by 5 each time. You can use your fingers, skip counting, or visual patterns to help you remember.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to quickly recall the 5 times table and spot the pattern clues that make it easier to remember. Success signs:
  • You can count in 5s up to 60
  • You know that any number multiplied by 5 ends in 0 or 5
  • You can use your fingers or skip counting to work out 5 times table facts
  • You can solve 5 times table problems quickly

Why this matters

Knowing your 5 times table helps with everyday maths like counting money (5p, 10p, 15p, etc.), telling time (5-minute intervals), and solving bigger multiplication problems. It’s a useful building block for learning other tables and more complex maths. In games and sports, you often count in 5s, so it helps you think faster and better.

How it works

The 5 times table is easy to learn because it follows a clear pattern:
  1. When you multiply any number by 5, the result always ends in 0 or 5
  2. You can count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60
  3. Each answer is 5 more than the previous one
  4. You can use your fingers to help count: hold up one finger for each group of 5

Examples you can see

Let’s look at the 5 times table in a clear way: 5 times table facts
5 × 0 5 × 1 5 × 2 5 × 3 5 × 4 5 × 5 5 × 6 5 × 7 5 × 8 5 × 9 5 × 10 5 × 11 5 × 12
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Pattern clues:
  • All answers end in either 0 or 5
  • Each number increases by 5
  • You can see the pattern in your fingers: 1 finger = 5, 2 fingers = 10, 3 fingers = 15, etc.
Real-world example: Imagine you are buying 5 football stickers for each of your 4 friends. You need to calculate 5 × 4 = 20 stickers in total. You can count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20. The pattern helps you find the answer quickly.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt and need to find 5 coins at each of 8 locations. You must work out how many coins you will collect in total.
  1. 1st location: 5 coins
  2. 2nd location: 5 more coins = 10 coins
  3. 3rd location: 5 more coins = 15 coins
  4. 4th location: 5 more coins = 20 coins
  5. 5th location: 5 more coins = 25 coins
  6. 6th location: 5 more coins = 30 coins
  7. 7th location: 5 more coins = 35 coins
  8. 8th location: 5 more coins = 40 coins
So, 5 × 8 = 40 coins. How to use the pattern: Instead of counting each time, you can count in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40. The pattern helps you know the answer faster.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 5 × 7 = 35, but forgetting that 5 × 7 = 35.
    Why it happens: Confusing with 5 × 6 = 30 or 5 × 8 = 40.
    Fix: Use your fingers or skip counting to double-check.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 5 × 0 = 0.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that multiplying by 0 gives 0.
    Fix: Remember that zero groups of 5 = 0.
  • Mistake: Counting by 10s instead of 5s.
    Why it happens: Confusing the pattern with 10 times table.
    Fix: Practice counting in 5s and use the 5 times table pattern clue that answers end in 0 or 5.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn the 5 times table by:
  • Counting in 5s together: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60
  • Using fingers: Let the child hold up one finger for each 5
  • Playing games: Try a quick quiz or a game where you say a number and they say the 5 times table fact
  • Practicing with real-life examples: Counting 5p coins, or 5-minute intervals on a clock
  • Not worrying if they make mistakes — it’s part of learning
What to say: "Can you count in 5s with me? What is 5 × 6?" What not to say: "Don’t be silly, that’s easy!" or "Why can’t you get it right?"

Practice questions

  1. What is 5 × 3?
  2. What is 5 × 9?
  3. What is 5 × 12?
  4. What is 5 × 0?
  5. What is 5 × 7?
Answers:
  1. 15
  2. 45
  3. 60
  4. 0
  5. 35

FAQ

Why does the 5 times table always end in 0 or 5?

When you multiply by 5, you are adding 5 each time. So the numbers go 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and so on. The pattern shows that the last digit is always 0 or 5.

How can I remember 5 times table facts quickly?

You can use skip counting, finger counting, or practice the pattern. The pattern helps because it’s easy to remember: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60.

Is 5 times table harder than other times tables?

No, it's one of the easiest! It follows a simple pattern and is easy to count in 5s. Many children find it easier than 7 or 8 times tables.

Can I use 5 times table to help with other maths?

Yes! It helps with money (5p, 10p, 20p), telling time (5-minute intervals), and bigger multiplication problems.

What if I forget a 5 times table fact?

You can use skip counting or your fingers to count up to the answer. For example, if you forget 5 × 6, count 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30. That’s 5 × 6 = 30.