How to learn the 4 times table

Quick answer

You can learn the 4 times table by using doubling twice, counting in 4s, or by using arrays and visual patterns. The easiest way is to double a number, then double that answer again.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to recite the 4 times table from 0 to 12 and use the pattern of doubling twice to solve 4 times any number quickly.

Success signs:

• You can count in 4s up to 48.
• You can say 4 × 7 = 28 without counting.
• You can make a rectangle with 4 rows and 6 columns to show 4 × 6 = 24.
• You can double a number, then double that answer to get 4 × 5.

Why this matters

Knowing your 4 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly, like sharing 28 cookies equally among 4 friends or working out how many legs 7 spiders have. It’s also useful for money, time, measurement, and even games!

In games like football, you might count 4 points for each goal. In cooking, you might double a recipe that uses 4 eggs. In building, you might count how many blocks are in a row of 4, repeated 5 times.

Learning the 4 times table helps you get ready for harder maths like division, fractions, and algebra later on.

How it works

Learning the 4 times table is like learning to count in 4s. Here’s how:

1. Start with 1 × 4 = 4
2. Then 2 × 4 = 8
3. Then 3 × 4 = 12
4. And so on, up to 12 × 4 = 48

But there’s a smart trick to help you learn it faster:

• Double a number, then double that answer again.
• For example, to find 4 × 6:
• Double 6 = 12
• Double 12 = 24
• So 4 × 6 = 24

This works because 4 is the same as 2 × 2, so 4 × 6 is the same as 2 × (2 × 6).

Examples you can see

Here’s how the 4 times table looks from 0 to 12:

Visual example: Imagine you have 4 rows of 3 blocks each.

• Row 1: 3 blocks
• Row 2: 3 blocks
• Row 3: 3 blocks
• Row 4: 3 blocks

That’s 4 rows of 3 = 12 blocks total. So 4 × 3 = 12.

Another example: You are making a square garden with 4 sides, and each side is 6 metres long.

• Perimeter = 4 sides × 6 metres = 24 metres

So 4 × 6 = 24 metres.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The 4-Step Challenge!

You are a treasure hunter and need to find 4 chests, each containing 7 gold coins. How many coins do you have in total?

1. First, count 7 coins in one chest.
2. Then, count 7 coins in the second chest.
3. Then, count 7 coins in the third chest.
4. Then, count 7 coins in the fourth chest.

That’s 4 × 7 = ?

Use the doubling trick:

• Double 7 = 14
• Double 14 = 28

So, 4 × 7 = 28 coins!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking 4 × 5 = 25
• Why it happens: Confusing 4 × 5 with 5 × 5
• Fix: Use the doubling trick: 5 + 5 = 10, then 10 + 10 = 20. So 4 × 5 = 20

• Mistake: Forgetting that 4 × 0 = 0
• Why it happens: Thinking you can’t multiply by 0
• Fix: 0 groups of 4 = 0

• Mistake: Counting in 4s wrong
• Why it happens: Not practicing the skip counting
• Fix: Practice counting 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 4 times table is easier when you make it fun! Here’s how you can help your child:

• Play a game: Use a deck of cards. Pick two cards, multiply them by 4, and see who gets the most points.
• Count together: Walk around the house and count in 4s. Try counting the number of steps in 4 rows of 4 tiles.
• Use objects: Use 4 blocks, 4 pencils, or 4 toys to make 3 rows and see how many there are in total.
• Repeat it: Sing the 4 times table to a tune or chant it with clapping.
• Don’t push too hard: Keep it playful and short. If your child gets frustrated, take a break.

Remember: It’s not about speed, it’s about understanding. The more they practice, the more confident they’ll be!

Practice questions

1. What is 4 × 3?
2. What is 4 × 9?
3. What is 4 × 0?
4. What is 4 × 11?
5. Use the doubling trick to find 4 × 6.

Answers:

1. 12
2. 36
3. 0
4. 44
5. 24 (6 + 6 = 12, then 12 + 12 = 24)

FAQ

How do I remember the 4 times table?

Use the doubling trick or count in 4s. You can also use arrays or blocks to see the pattern.

Is 4 × 7 the same as 7 × 4?

Yes! That’s called the commutative property of multiplication. The order doesn’t matter.

Why is the 4 times table useful?

It helps you solve problems quickly, like sharing 28 items among 4 people or counting legs on 5 spiders.

What if I forget a fact?

Use the doubling trick or count in 4s. You can also draw a picture or use your fingers to help.

Can I learn it faster with songs?

Yes! Singing the 4 times table to a beat or rhythm helps many children learn it faster.