X Tables
Times Tables

How to learn the 1 times table

Child-friendly steps for learning the 1 times table using why multiplying by 1 keeps the number unchanged.

Quick answer

Multiplying any number by 1 gives you that number back. It's like looking in a mirror – the number stays exactly the same!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know that multiplying any number by 1 always gives you that same number, and you can use this rule to solve multiplication problems quickly. Success signs:
  • You can say that 1 x 5 = 5
  • You can explain why 1 x 10 = 10
  • You can solve 1 x 7, 1 x 12, and 1 x 0 without counting

Why this matters

Learning the 1 times table is super important because it helps you understand how multiplication works. It's the foundation for all multiplication, and once you know it, you'll be able to solve bigger multiplication problems faster. Whether you're sharing cookies with friends, counting your toys, or playing a game, the 1 times table helps you think quickly and confidently about numbers.

How it works

Multiplying by 1 is like having one group of something. If you have 1 group of 5 apples, you still have 5 apples. If you have 1 group of 12 stars, you still have 12 stars. There's only one group, so the number doesn't change. This is why multiplying by 1 always gives you the same number. Let's break it down:
  1. Think of multiplication as making groups
  2. When you multiply by 1, you make just one group
  3. That one group has all the items you started with
  4. So the number stays the same

Examples you can see

Here are some simple examples to help you see how this works:
1 x 1 1 x 2 1 x 3 1 x 4 1 x 5
1 group of 1 = 1 1 group of 2 = 2 1 group of 3 = 3 1 group of 4 = 4 1 group of 5 = 5
Let's try a few more:
1 x 6 1 x 7 1 x 8 1 x 9 1 x 10
1 group of 6 = 6 1 group of 7 = 7 1 group of 8 = 8 1 group of 9 = 9 1 group of 10 = 10
And here are the full facts from 0 to 12:
0 x 1 1 x 1 2 x 1 3 x 1 4 x 1 5 x 1 6 x 1 7 x 1 8 x 1 9 x 1 10 x 1 11 x 1 12 x 1
0 groups of 1 = 0 1 group of 1 = 1 2 groups of 1 = 2 3 groups of 1 = 3 4 groups of 1 = 4 5 groups of 1 = 5 6 groups of 1 = 6 7 groups of 1 = 7 8 groups of 1 = 8 9 groups of 1 = 9 10 groups of 1 = 10 11 groups of 1 = 11 12 groups of 1 = 12

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you're on a treasure hunt in a magical forest! You find a chest with a special lock that only opens with the 1 times table. To open the chest, you must solve these puzzles: 1st time: You find 1 shiny coin. How many coins do you have in total? (1 x 1 = ?) 2nd time: You find 1 red apple. How many apples do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 3rd time: You find 1 blue star. How many stars do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 4th time: You find 1 yellow flower. How many flowers do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 5th time: You find 1 green leaf. How many leaves do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 6th time: You find 1 big rock. How many rocks do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 7th time: You find 1 small pebble. How many pebbles do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 8th time: You find 1 golden ring. How many rings do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 9th time: You find 1 silver coin. How many coins do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) 10th time: You find 1 magic wand. How many wands do you have? (1 x 1 = ?) Each time, you have just 1 item, so the total is still 1! This is the magic of the 1 times table.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 1 x 5 = 10 Why it happens: Mixing up with the 2 times table Fix: Remember, 1 group of 5 is still 5
  • Mistake: Thinking 1 x 0 = 1 Why it happens: Forgetting that 0 groups of anything is 0 Fix: 1 group of 0 is still 0
  • Mistake: Getting confused with the 10 times table Why it happens: Both tables start with 1 Fix: Remember 1 x anything = that thing

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child learn the 1 times table in just a few minutes:
  • Use everyday objects like toys or fruit to show 1 group of something
  • Ask questions like "If I have 1 box of 7 crayons, how many crayons do I have?"
  • Play simple games like "What's 1 x 4? What's 1 x 10?"
  • Remember that this table is easy, so don't make it feel like a big challenge
  • Encourage your child to explain why 1 x 5 = 5
  • Don't worry if they make mistakes – they're learning!

Practice questions

  1. 1 x 3 = ?
  2. 1 x 8 = ?
  3. 1 x 11 = ?
  4. 1 x 0 = ?
  5. 1 x 12 = ?
  6. 1 x 6 = ?
  7. 1 x 9 = ?
  8. 1 x 2 = ?
  9. 1 x 7 = ?
  10. 1 x 10 = ?
Answers:
  1. 3
  2. 8
  3. 11
  4. 0
  5. 12
  6. 6
  7. 9
  8. 2
  9. 7
  10. 10

FAQ

Why does multiplying by 1 keep the number the same?

Because multiplying means making groups, and 1 group of any number is just that number. It's like having one pile of 5 toys – you still have 5 toys.

Is the 1 times table the same as the 10 times table?

No, they are different! 1 x 5 = 5, but 10 x 5 = 50. The 1 times table is easy because it always gives you the same number.

What happens when you multiply by 1 in a real situation?

When you have 1 group of something, you have that many items. For example, 1 x 4 = 4 because 1 group of 4 apples is 4 apples.

Can you multiply 1 by a decimal number?

Yes! 1 x 0.5 = 0.5, because 1 group of 0.5 is still 0.5.

How can I remember the 1 times table?

Think of it like a mirror – whatever number you have, it stays the same when multiplied by 1. It's the simplest multiplication fact!