How to learn the 12 times table

Quick answer

You can learn the 12 times table by breaking it into smaller parts, using patterns, and connecting it to things you already know like 10 times and 2 times tables. Practice with real-life examples, and use tricks like counting by 12s or using a clock to help you remember.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know the 12 times table from 0 to 12, and you will understand how to use patterns, real-life examples, and simple strategies to remember it quickly.

• You can count in 12s up to 120
• You can solve 12 times table problems using repeated addition or arrays
• You can use the 10 times and 2 times tables to help you work out 12 times
• You can apply the 12 times table to everyday situations like shopping or time

Why this matters

The 12 times table is useful in many everyday situations. You might use it when you are buying things in dozens (like eggs or pencils), when you are working with time (like 12 hours on a clock), or when you are planning a party and need to know how many items you’ll need. Knowing your 12 times table helps you solve problems faster and makes maths feel easier.

How it works

Learning the 12 times table is easier if you break it down into parts. You can think of 12 as 10 + 2. This means that 12 times any number is the same as 10 times that number plus 2 times that number. For example, 12 × 5 is the same as 10 × 5 + 2 × 5. That is 50 + 10 = 60.

Another way to think about it is to count in 12s. If you count 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, you are going through the 12 times table.

You can also use the 10 times table and the 2 times table to help you. If you know your 10 times table, you can add 2 more of the same number to get the 12 times table. This is a helpful shortcut!

Examples you can see

Let’s look at the 12 times table step by step:

Here are some fun ways to think about each number:

• 12 × 1 = 12: This is just one group of 12, like one dozen eggs.
• 12 × 2 = 24: Two groups of 12, like two dozen eggs or two 12-hour clocks.
• 12 × 3 = 36: Three groups of 12, like three dozen eggs or three 12-hour periods.
• 12 × 4 = 48: Four groups of 12, like four dozen eggs or four 12-hour clocks.
• 12 × 5 = 60: Five groups of 12, like five dozen eggs or five 12-hour clocks. This is also the number of minutes in an hour!

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are planning a big party for your class! You have 12 friends coming, and you want to give each friend 12 stickers. How many stickers do you need in total?

Let’s solve this step by step:

1. 1 friend gets 12 stickers
2. 2 friends get 24 stickers
3. 3 friends get 36 stickers
4. 4 friends get 48 stickers
5. 5 friends get 60 stickers
6. 6 friends get 72 stickers
7. 7 friends get 84 stickers
8. 8 friends get 96 stickers
9. 9 friends get 108 stickers
10. 10 friends get 120 stickers
11. 11 friends get 132 stickers
12. 12 friends get 144 stickers

You need 144 stickers for your party! That’s a lot of stickers, but you can count them easily if you know your 12 times table.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 12 × 5 = 50 instead of 60.
  Why it happens: Confusing the 10 times table with the 12 times table.
  Fix: Remember that 12 × 5 = (10 × 5) + (2 × 5) = 50 + 10 = 60.
• Mistake: Counting 12, 24, 36, 48, 59 instead of 59, 60, 72.
  Why it happens: Making a small error while counting in 12s.
  Fix: Slowly count in 12s and check your work with a calculator or a friend.
• Mistake: Forgetting that 12 × 0 = 0.
  Why it happens: Thinking that multiplying by 0 is hard or confusing.
  Fix: Remember that any number times 0 is always 0 – it’s like having zero groups of 12 items.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child learn the 12 times table by making it fun and practical:

• Use real-life examples like eggs, stickers, or books to show how 12 times table works.
• Play counting games using 12s, like “Count to 120 by 12s” or “What’s 12 × 4?”
• Use visual aids like arrays or groups of objects to help your child see the pattern.
• Encourage your child to use the 10 times table to help with the 12 times table (e.g., 12 × 6 = (10 × 6) + (2 × 6)).
• Be patient and celebrate small wins – learning times tables takes time!

Try to avoid pressure or comparing your child to others. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Practice questions

1. What is 12 × 3?
   Answer: 36
2. What is 12 × 7?
   Answer: 84
3. What is 12 × 9?
   Answer: 108
4. What is 12 × 11?
   Answer: 132
5. What is 12 × 0?
   Answer: 0
6. What is 12 × 5?
   Answer: 60
7. What is 12 × 12?
   Answer: 144
8. What is 12 × 4?
   Answer: 48
9. What is 12 × 6?
   Answer: 72
10. What is 12 × 10?
    Answer: 120

FAQ

What is the 12 times table?
The 12 times table is a list of all the products you get when you multiply 12 by numbers from 0 to 12.

Why is the 12 times table useful?
The 12 times table helps you work with dozens, time, and many other real-life situations where 12 is a common number.

How can I remember the 12 times table?
You can remember it by using patterns, breaking it into 10 and 2, or counting in 12s. You can also use the 10 times table to help you.

What are some real-life uses of the 12 times table?
You can use it when buying eggs by the dozen, working with time on a clock, or planning a party where each friend gets 12 items.

Is 12 × 0 = 0?
Yes! Any number multiplied by 0 is always 0. So 12 × 0 = 0.