X Tables
Times Tables

How to learn the 0 times table

Child-friendly steps for learning the 0 times table using the zero property, empty groups and why every answer is 0.

Quick answer

Every number multiplied by 0 equals 0. This is because multiplying by 0 means you have zero groups of that number, so there are no items at all.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that any number times 0 equals 0, and you will be able to quickly solve 0 times table problems.

  • You can explain why 0 x 5 = 0
  • You can solve 0 x 0, 0 x 1, 0 x 2, up to 0 x 12
  • You can use the idea of "no groups" to understand the 0 times table
  • You can play a game to practice the 0 times table

Why this matters

Learning the 0 times table helps you understand how multiplication works. It's a special rule that makes multiplication easier to understand. You'll use this knowledge when you do bigger multiplication problems, solve word problems, and even in games and puzzles. Knowing this rule helps you avoid mistakes and feel confident with multiplication.

How it works

Let's think about what multiplication means. When you multiply, you are making groups of something. For example:

  • 3 x 4 means 3 groups of 4 items
  • 5 x 2 means 5 groups of 2 items

But what happens when you multiply by 0? That means you have 0 groups of something. If you have no groups, you have nothing at all. So:

  • 0 x 5 means 0 groups of 5 items = 0 items
  • 0 x 10 means 0 groups of 10 items = 0 items

This is the zero property of multiplication. No matter what number you multiply by 0, the answer is always 0.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real examples to help you understand.

Number What it means Answer
0 x 1 0 groups of 1 item 0
0 x 2 0 groups of 2 items 0
0 x 3 0 groups of 3 items 0
0 x 4 0 groups of 4 items 0
0 x 5 0 groups of 5 items 0
0 x 6 0 groups of 6 items 0
0 x 7 0 groups of 7 items 0
0 x 8 0 groups of 8 items 0
0 x 9 0 groups of 9 items 0
0 x 10 0 groups of 10 items 0
0 x 11 0 groups of 11 items 0
0 x 12 0 groups of 12 items 0
0 x 0 0 groups of 0 items 0

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a space explorer on a mission to find the secret of the Zero Planet. On this planet, everything you collect is turned into nothing. Your spaceship has a special machine that multiplies your items by 0. Every time you try to collect something, it disappears!

Adventure Quest:

  1. First time: You find 5 stars. Your machine multiplies them by 0. How many stars do you have now? Answer: 0
  2. Second time: You find 12 planets. Your machine multiplies them by 0. How many planets do you have now? Answer: 0
  3. Third time: You find 3 aliens. Your machine multiplies them by 0. How many aliens do you have now? Answer: 0
  4. Fourth time: You find 100 space rocks. Your machine multiplies them by 0. How many space rocks do you have now? Answer: 0
  5. Fifth time: You find 0 space dogs. Your machine multiplies them by 0. How many space dogs do you have now? Answer: 0

Every time you multiply by 0, everything disappears! This is the secret of the Zero Planet. No matter what you find, multiplying by 0 makes everything vanish.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 0 x 5 = 5
  • Why it happens: Confusing multiplication with addition. You might think that since 0 + 5 = 5, then 0 x 5 = 5.
  • Fix: Remember that multiplication by 0 means zero groups, so you have nothing at all.
  • Mistake: Thinking 0 x 0 = 0 because it's "nothing times nothing"
  • Why it happens: Confusing the idea of "nothing" with "zero".
  • Fix: Remember that 0 x 0 means 0 groups of 0 items, which is still 0 items.
  • Mistake: Getting confused with other tables
  • Why it happens: When learning many tables, children mix them up.
  • Fix: Practice the 0 times table separately until it becomes automatic.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child learn the 0 times table can be simple and fun:

  1. Explain the concept: Use simple language like "If you have 0 groups of anything, you have nothing."
  2. Use real examples: Count fingers, toys, or snacks. Show 0 groups of 3 apples = 0 apples.
  3. Practice together: Use flashcards or play a quick game. Ask "What is 0 x 7?" and wait for the answer.
  4. Be patient: It might take a few days to get it. That's okay!
  5. Don't worry about speed: Focus on understanding first, then speed.

Remember: This table is easy because it's always 0! The main thing is understanding why, not just memorising.

Practice questions

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

Answers:

  1. 0
  2. 0
  3. 0
  4. 0
  5. 0
  6. 0
  7. 0
  8. 0
  9. 0
  10. 0

FAQ

Why does any number times 0 equal 0? Because multiplying by 0 means you have zero groups of that number, so there are no items at all. Does 0 x 0 equal 0? Yes! 0 x 0 means 0 groups of 0 items, which is still 0 items. Is the 0 times table hard to learn? No! It's the easiest times table because the answer is always 0. Can I use this in real life? Yes! It helps you understand how multiplication works and makes other math easier. How can I practice the 0 times table? You can use flashcards, play games, or count objects and multiply by 0.