8 times table pattern clues

Quick answer

The 8 times table has several helpful patterns and tricks that make it easier to learn and remember. You can use doubling, skip counting, and visual clues to quickly work out 8 times any number.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to quickly find the answer to any 8 times table question using patterns, doubling, and simple tricks.

• You can count by 8s to find answers
• You can double a number three times to find 8 times that number
• You can use patterns in the answers to check your work
• You can solve 8 times table problems quickly and confidently

Why this matters

Learning the 8 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. It's useful for cooking (when you need to double recipes), sports (like scoring points), and games (like counting your coins). Understanding patterns in maths makes it easier to remember and more fun!

How it works

There are several ways to work out the 8 times table:

1. Count by 8s: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104
2. Double a number three times: 3 × 8 = (3 × 2) × 2 × 2 = 6 × 2 × 2 = 12 × 2 = 24
3. Look for patterns in the answers
4. Use the 4 times table and double it

Examples you can see

Here are the full 8 times table facts:

Let's look at some ways to work out these answers:

Pattern 1: The last digit repeats

If you look at the answers, the last digit follows this pattern: 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6

This means you can quickly check if your answer is right by looking at the last digit.

Pattern 2: Double the 4 times table

Try this: 6 × 8 = ?

First, work out 6 × 4 = 24

Then double it: 24 × 2 = 48

So 6 × 8 = 48

Pattern 3: Doubling three times

Try this: 5 × 8 = ?

First, double 5: 5 × 2 = 10

Then double 10: 10 × 2 = 20

Then double 20: 20 × 2 = 40

So 5 × 8 = 40

Real-world example: Building with blocks

Imagine you are building a tower with blocks. Each layer has 8 blocks. If you make 4 layers, how many blocks do you need?

You can think of this as 4 × 8 = ?

Using the doubling trick:

1. 4 × 4 = 16 (the 4 times table)
2. 16 × 2 = 32 (double it)

So you need 32 blocks for 4 layers!

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to collect alien coins. Each coin is worth 8 points. You find these coins on different planets:

1. First planet: 3 coins = ? points
2. Second planet: 7 coins = ? points
3. Third planet: 11 coins = ? points
4. Fourth planet: 12 coins = ? points

Use your pattern clues to solve each planet's coin collection:

1. 3 coins = ? points (Use doubling: 3 × 4 = 12, then 12 × 2 = 24)
2. 7 coins = ? points (Use doubling: 7 × 4 = 28, then 28 × 2 = 56)
3. 11 coins = ? points (Use doubling: 11 × 4 = 44, then 44 × 2 = 88)
4. 12 coins = ? points (Use doubling: 12 × 4 = 48, then 48 × 2 = 96)

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting that 8 × 0 = 0
• Why it happens: Some children think multiplying by 0 should give a bigger number
• Fix: Remember that zero groups of anything is nothing
• Mistake: Mixing up 8 × 7 and 8 × 8
• Why it happens: These answers are close together (56 and 64)
• Fix: Use the pattern clue - 8 × 7 ends in 6, 8 × 8 ends in 4
• Mistake: Counting by 8s incorrectly
• Why it happens: Children get confused when counting by 8s past 100
• Fix: Break it into smaller jumps: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, then 48, 56, 64, 72, 80
• Mistake: Not using pattern clues to check answers
• Why it happens: Children are so focused on getting the answer that they forget to check
• Fix: Always look at the last digit - it should follow 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with the 8 times table can be fun and easy:

1. Use the pattern clues to help them remember: "The last digits go 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6"
2. Practice doubling tricks: Ask "What's 3 × 8? How can we double 3 to get 6, then double 6 to get 12, then double 12 to get 24?"
3. Play games: Create a "coin collection" game where you collect 8 points each round
4. Use real objects: Count 8 toys, 8 pencils, or 8 coins to make groups
5. Don't worry if they make mistakes - they're learning! Focus on the pattern clues to help them correct themselves
6. Keep it short and fun - 5-10 minutes of practice daily works better than long sessions
7. Encourage them to say the pattern out loud: "0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6"
8. Notice when they use the pattern clues - praise them for using strategies!
9. Ask them to teach you the pattern clues - it helps them remember better
10. Don't make it feel like a test - make it a game or adventure

Practice questions

1. What is 8 × 3?
2. What is 8 × 9?
3. What is 8 × 11?
4. What is 8 × 6?
5. What is 8 × 12?
6. What is 8 × 0?
7. What is 8 × 4?
8. What is 8 × 7?
9. What is 8 × 10?
10. What is 8 × 5?

Answers:

1. 24
2. 72
3. 88
4. 48
5. 96
6. 0
7. 32
8. 56
9. 80
10. 40

FAQ

Why is the 8 times table hard to learn?

It's not actually hard! It's just that 8 is a bigger number, so it takes more practice. But the pattern clues make it much easier.

What's the easiest way to learn 8 × 8?

The easiest way is to double 8 four times: 8 × 2 = 16, 16 × 2 = 32, 32 × 2 = 64.

How can I remember that 8 × 7 = 56?

Use the pattern clue! The last digits go 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 8, 6. So 8 × 7 should end in 6.

Can I use the 4 times table to help with 8 times table?

Yes! Double any 4 times table answer to get the 8 times table answer. For example, 4 × 6 = 24, so 8 × 6 = 48.

What if I forget a 8 times table fact?

Use the pattern clues! Check the last digit, use doubling, or count by 8s from the last fact you know.