9 times table common mistakes

Quick answer

Children often make mistakes when learning the 9 times table, especially confusing patterns or miscounting. The key is to use visual models, practice patterns, and build confidence through repeated exposure.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand the most common mistakes when learning the 9 times table and how to fix them using clear examples and fun strategies.

• You can count in 9s from 0 to 108.
• You can spot patterns in the 9 times table, like the digit sum always being 9.
• You can use models and drawings to solve 9 times table problems.
• You can check your answers using a different method.

Why this matters

The 9 times table is tricky because it's not as easy to see patterns as the 2s, 5s, or 10s. But it’s super useful! You'll use it when sharing items equally, working out money, or solving puzzles. Knowing your 9s helps you solve bigger maths problems faster.

For example, if you're buying 9 pens that cost £2 each, you need to know 9 × 2 = 18. If you're sharing 9 cakes between 3 people, you use 9 ÷ 3 = 3. The 9 times table is all around you!

How it works

Let’s start with the basics. The 9 times table means we count in 9s. Here’s how it goes:

1. 0 × 9 = 0
2. 1 × 9 = 9
3. 2 × 9 = 18
4. 3 × 9 = 27
5. 4 × 9 = 36
6. 5 × 9 = 45
7. 6 × 9 = 54
8. 7 × 9 = 63
9. 8 × 9 = 72
10. 9 × 9 = 81
11. 10 × 9 = 90
12. 11 × 9 = 99
13. 12 × 9 = 108

Notice how the numbers get bigger quickly. That’s why it’s good to practice with visual tools like fingers or arrays to help you remember.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few examples to help you understand how the 9 times table works.

Example 1: Using fingers

Try this fun trick with your fingers to help you remember 9 × 4:

1. Hold out both hands with all fingers up.
2. Count to the 4th finger from the left and fold it down.
3. The fingers to the left of the folded finger are the tens place.
4. The fingers to the right are the units place.

So for 9 × 4, you fold the 4th finger. You have 3 fingers on the left and 6 on the right. That’s 36!

Example 2: Drawing arrays

Imagine you have 6 rows of 9 stars. That’s 6 × 9.

Count them all — that’s 54 stars. So 6 × 9 = 54.

Example 3: Real-world problem

Sarah has 9 boxes of crayons. Each box has 7 crayons. How many crayons does she have?

Here, you need to find 9 × 7.

One way to think about it: 9 × 7 = 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 63.

Or you can think of it as 10 × 7 = 70, then subtract 1 × 7 = 7, so 70 - 7 = 63.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic 9s Quest

You are a brave explorer on a quest to find the secret of the Magic 9s. To unlock the treasure, you must solve these 9 times table puzzles:

1. Find the 9s in this sequence: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108.
2. Draw 3 rows of 9 stars. Count how many stars you have.
3. Use your fingers to find 9 × 5.
4. Help a friend share 9 cookies among 3 people. How many does each person get?

Each correct answer brings you closer to the treasure chest!

Common mistakes

Here are the most common mistakes kids make when learning the 9 times table:

Mistake 1: Thinking 9 × 9 = 90

Incorrect answer: 9 × 9 = 90

Why it happens: Kids often add 9 to 81 and get 90, forgetting that 9 × 9 is actually 81.

Fix: Use a pattern or a drawing. For 9 × 9, think of it as 10 × 9 = 90, then subtract 9. So 90 - 9 = 81.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to check your answers

Incorrect answer: 9 × 6 = 56

Why it happens: Kids might skip checking their work or get distracted.

Fix: Always double-check by adding 9 six times or using a different method like arrays.

Mistake 3: Mixing up 9 × 8 and 9 × 7

Incorrect answer: 9 × 8 = 72, but 9 × 7 = 68

Why it happens: The numbers are close and can be confusing.

Fix: Use visual arrays or a number line to help you count up to the right number.

Mistake 4: Not noticing the pattern in digits

Incorrect answer: 9 × 5 = 45, but kids think 4 + 5 = 8

Why it happens: The sum of digits in multiples of 9 is always 9, but kids don’t notice.

Fix: Try 9 × 3 = 27. 2 + 7 = 9. Try it with others to see the pattern!

Parent and carer guide

Here’s how you can help your child with the 9 times table:

1. Practice regularly: 5–10 minutes a day is better than one long session.
2. Use games: Try online times table games or apps that focus on 9s.
3. Use fingers: Let them try the finger trick for 9s.
4. Draw arrays: Help them draw rows and columns to see how multiplication works.
5. Check together: Ask them to explain how they solved a problem — this helps them learn.

Don’t worry if they get it wrong at first. Mistakes are part of learning!

Practice questions

1. What is 9 × 4?
2. How many stars are in 5 rows of 9 stars?
3. Use the finger trick to find 9 × 7.
4. What is 9 × 11?
5. Check if 9 × 8 = 72 is correct by adding 9 eight times.

Answers:

1. 36
2. 45
3. 63
4. 99
5. Yes, 9 × 8 = 72

FAQ

Why is the 9 times table so hard?

It’s harder because the numbers grow quickly and don’t have a clear pattern like 2s or 5s. But with practice and tools like arrays or fingers, it gets easier.

How can I remember 9 × 9?

One way is to think of 10 × 9 = 90, then subtract 9. So 90 - 9 = 81.

Is there a trick for 9 × 7?

Yes! You can use your fingers. Put down the 7th finger and count the fingers on both sides — that gives you 63.

What’s the pattern in the 9 times table?

The sum of the digits in each answer always equals 9. For example, 9 × 4 = 36, and 3 + 6 = 9.

How can I make learning 9s fun?

Try games, songs, drawing arrays, or using everyday items like coins or blocks to count in 9s.