X Tables
Times Tables

9 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 9s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 9s means counting by 9s each time, like 9, 18, 27, 36, and so on. You can count forwards and backwards in 9s using number lines, clapping, or even jumping on a number track.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 9s using number lines, movement, and call-and-response. You will know the 9 times table up to 12 x 9. Success signs:
  • You can say the 9 times table from 0 to 12 x 9
  • You can count forwards in 9s starting from any number
  • You can count backwards in 9s starting from any number
  • You can use skip-counting to solve simple multiplication problems

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 9s helps you learn your 9 times table quickly and easily. It's useful for:
  • Multiplying numbers by 9
  • Adding 9 to a number many times
  • Working out how many items you have in groups of 9
  • Understanding patterns in numbers
In games, cooking, and sports, you often need to count in 9s. For example, if you're playing a board game and each turn you move 9 spaces, you can count in 9s to know how far you've gone. In real life, you might have 9 pieces of fruit in each bag and want to know how many pieces you have in 4 bags.

How it works

Counting in 9s means adding 9 each time. You can do this on a number line, by jumping, or by clapping. Here's how:
  1. Start at 0 or any number
  2. Add 9 to get the next number
  3. Repeat until you reach your target
  4. You can also count backwards by subtracting 9 each time
For example:
  • 0 + 9 = 9
  • 9 + 9 = 18
  • 18 + 9 = 27

Examples you can see

Here are some ways to practice skip-counting in 9s: Using a number line: Imagine a number line from 0 to 100. Start at 0. Jump 9 spaces to get to 9. Then jump 9 more to get to 18. Keep jumping 9 spaces to get 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, and 99. Using objects: You can use 9 blocks, 9 counters, or 9 stickers. Put them in groups of 9. Count how many blocks you have when you make 1 group, 2 groups, 3 groups, and so on. Using your hands: Hold up 9 fingers. Count how many fingers you have in 1 group, 2 groups, 3 groups, and so on. Real-world example: Imagine you're buying 9 toy cars. If each car costs £1, how much do 9 cars cost? You can count in 9s: 1 x 9 = 9. If you buy 2 cars, that’s 2 x 9 = 18. If you buy 3 cars, that’s 3 x 9 = 27.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 9s Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt. You must collect 9 coins each time you reach a new spot. You start at the beginning of the path.
  1. 1st time: You collect 9 coins. Total = 9 coins
  2. 2nd time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 18 coins
  3. 3rd time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 27 coins
  4. 4th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 36 coins
  5. 5th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 45 coins
  6. 6th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 54 coins
  7. 7th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 63 coins
  8. 8th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 72 coins
  9. 9th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 81 coins
  10. 10th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 90 coins
  11. 11th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 99 coins
  12. 12th time: You collect 9 more coins. Total = 108 coins
You’ve collected 108 coins in total. That’s a lot of treasure!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 9 each time and just counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
    Why it happens: Not understanding that skip-counting means adding 9 each time.
    Fix: Use a number line or count objects in groups of 9 to help you remember.
  • Mistake: Counting backwards in 9s by subtracting 1 each time.
    Why it happens: Mixing up counting forwards and backwards.
    Fix: Remember that to count backwards in 9s, you subtract 9 each time, not 1.
  • Mistake: Thinking 9 x 9 = 99.
    Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with adding 9.
    Fix: Use repeated addition: 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 81.

Parent and carer guide

Skip-counting in 9s is a fun way to learn your 9 times table. Here’s how you can help your child:
  • Use a number line or a 100 square to show how numbers jump by 9s
  • Play games like "9s Jump" where you jump 9 spaces on a path or number line
  • Count in 9s during daily activities like counting steps, coins, or snacks
  • Use real-life examples like 9 cookies in each bag to show multiplication
  • Practice call-and-response: you say "9", they say "18", you say "27", and so on
Remember to be patient. Some children find skip-counting tricky at first. It's okay to make mistakes. Every mistake is a chance to learn something new.

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 9s from 0 to 108. What are the numbers?
  2. Count backwards in 9s from 108 to 0. What are the numbers?
  3. What is 9 x 5?
  4. What is 9 x 8?
  5. What is 9 x 12?
Answers:
  1. 0, 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99, 108
  2. 108, 99, 90, 81, 72, 63, 54, 45, 36, 27, 18, 9, 0
  3. 45
  4. 72
  5. 108

9 times table facts (0 to 12)

9 times table Answer
0 x 9 0
1 x 9 9
2 x 9 18
3 x 9 27
4 x 9 36
5 x 9 45
6 x 9 54
7 x 9 63
8 x 9 72
9 x 9 81
10 x 9 90
11 x 9 99
12 x 9 108

FAQ

What is skip-counting?

Skip-counting means counting by a number other than 1. For example, counting by 2s, 5s, or 9s.

Why is skip-counting in 9s helpful?

It helps you learn the 9 times table quickly and easily. It also helps with multiplication and addition.

How can I practice skip-counting in 9s?

You can practice by using number lines, counting objects in groups of 9, playing games, or using call-and-response.

What are some real-life examples of skip-counting in 9s?

You can use skip-counting in 9s when counting items in groups of 9, like 9 pieces of fruit in each bag, or 9 coins in each pile.

How can parents help children with skip-counting?

Parents can use number lines, play games, count objects, and use real-life examples to help children practice skip-counting.