X Tables
Times Tables

5 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 5s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 5s means counting forwards and backwards by 5s each time – like 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and so on. It helps you learn your 5 times table quickly and easily.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 5s, and you will know your 5 times table from 0 to 12. Success signs:
  • You can count forwards in 5s from 0 to 60
  • You can count backwards in 5s from 60 to 0
  • You can say the 5 times table facts from 0 × 5 to 12 × 5
  • You can use skip-counting to solve simple problems

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 5s is a super helpful skill that makes learning multiplication easier. You use it when counting money (like 5p, 10p, 15p), telling time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes), and even when you’re playing games or jumping rope. It helps you see patterns and makes mental maths faster. It’s also a great way to get ready for more times tables and division later on.

How it works

Counting in 5s means adding 5 each time to get the next number. It's like a jumping game where you land on 5, then 10, then 15, and so on. You can do it forwards or backwards. Here’s how:
  1. Start with 0
  2. Add 5 to get the next number
  3. Keep adding 5 to continue the pattern
  4. You can also go backwards by subtracting 5 each time

Examples you can see

Here’s how skip-counting in 5s works step-by-step:
Counting Forwards Counting Backwards
0 60
0 + 5 = 5 60 - 5 = 55
5 + 5 = 10 55 - 5 = 50
10 + 5 = 15 50 - 5 = 45
15 + 5 = 20 45 - 5 = 40
20 + 5 = 25 40 - 5 = 35
25 + 5 = 30 35 - 5 = 30
30 + 5 = 35 30 - 5 = 25
35 + 5 = 40 25 - 5 = 20
40 + 5 = 45 20 - 5 = 15
45 + 5 = 50 15 - 5 = 10
50 + 5 = 55 10 - 5 = 5
55 + 5 = 60 5 - 5 = 0
Real-world example: Imagine you have 6 groups of 5 apples. You can count them by skip-counting: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30. That means 6 groups of 5 apples = 30 apples in total.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt! You are on a treasure hunt and must follow a map that tells you to move 5 steps forward, then 5 more steps, and so on. You start at 0 steps.
  1. 0 steps
  2. 0 + 5 = 5 steps
  3. 5 + 5 = 10 steps
  4. 10 + 5 = 15 steps
  5. 15 + 5 = 20 steps
  6. 20 + 5 = 25 steps
  7. 25 + 5 = 30 steps
  8. 30 + 5 = 35 steps
  9. 35 + 5 = 40 steps
  10. 40 + 5 = 45 steps
  11. 45 + 5 = 50 steps
  12. 50 + 5 = 55 steps
  13. 55 + 5 = 60 steps
Now, you can also go backwards! If you want to retrace your steps, you count backwards in 5s from 60 to 0.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Skipping numbers or counting 5, 10, 12, 15, 20…
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when counting quickly.
    Fix: Use your fingers or a number line to help you stay on track.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to start with 0
    Why it happens: It's easy to start counting at 5 instead of 0.
    Fix: Always remember to start with 0 when skip-counting in 5s.
  • Mistake: Mixing up forwards and backwards counting
    Why it happens: The numbers look similar, so it’s easy to get confused.
    Fix: Practice counting forwards and backwards separately to build confidence.

Parent and carer guide

Skip-counting in 5s is a fun way to help your child learn their 5 times table. Here’s how you can support them in just 5-10 minutes:
  • Play a quick game: say “count to 60 in 5s” and see how far they get.
  • Use a number line or a clock face to show how skip-counting works.
  • Count in 5s while walking or jumping – make it physical!
  • Encourage your child to say the 5 times table facts out loud.
  • Don’t worry if they make mistakes – it’s part of learning!
What to say: “Let’s count in 5s together – 5, 10, 15, 20…”
What not to do: Don’t pressure them to get it right every time. Keep it fun and relaxed.

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 5s: 0, 5, 10, ?, ?, ?
  2. Count backwards in 5s: 60, 55, 50, ?, ?, ?
  3. What is 7 × 5?
  4. What is 11 × 5?
  5. How many groups of 5 make 45?
Answers:
  1. 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
  2. 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35
  3. 35
  4. 55
  5. 9

5 Times Table Facts (0 to 12)

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

FAQ

How can I practice skip-counting in 5s at home?
You can count in 5s while walking, jumping, clapping, or using your fingers. Try counting the number of fingers on both hands, then count in 5s for each hand.

Why is skip-counting in 5s useful?
It helps you learn multiplication facts faster and is useful for telling time, counting money, and solving math problems.

What if I forget a number in the sequence?
You can use a number line or count on your fingers to help you remember the pattern.

Can I count backwards in 5s too?
Yes! Counting backwards in 5s works just like counting forwards, but you subtract 5 each time.

How can I make skip-counting fun?
Try making a game with music, dancing, or using toys to count in 5s. You can also play “5s hopscotch” or use a clock to count minutes.