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Times Tables

How to learn the 6 times table

Child-friendly steps for learning the 6 times table using doubling the 3 times table and spotting even answers.

Quick answer

Learning the 6 times table is easy if you know the 3 times table and understand that all 6 times table answers are even numbers! You can double the 3 times table to get the 6 times table, and you can use this pattern to help you remember all the facts.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:
  • Recall all the 6 times table facts from 0 x 6 to 12 x 6
  • Use the 3 times table to help you work out 6 times table facts
  • Recognise that all answers in the 6 times table are even numbers
  • Apply the 6 times table to solve simple real-life problems

Why this matters

Knowing your 6 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems quickly. You'll use it when sharing things equally, counting money, cooking, playing games, or even when you're just trying to count how many legs your pet has or how many wheels a car has. It's like having a superpower that makes maths easier and faster!

How it works

Learning the 6 times table is simple if you think of it this way:
  1. Start with the 3 times table (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42)
  2. Double each answer to get the 6 times table (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84)
  3. Notice that all answers are even numbers (divisible by 2)
  4. Practice counting in 6s to build your memory

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how the 6 times table works using simple examples:
3 times table Doubling it 6 times table
3 3 + 3 = 6 6
6 6 + 6 = 12 12
9 9 + 9 = 18 18
12 12 + 12 = 24 24
15 15 + 15 = 30 30
18 18 + 18 = 36 36
Let’s try another way: think of it as groups of 6. If you have 4 groups of 6 apples, you have 24 apples. That’s 4 x 6 = 24.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Garden of 6s! You are a gardener in a magical garden where flowers grow in groups of 6. Each day, you count how many flowers you have. On the first day, you have 1 group of 6 flowers. On the second day, you have 2 groups of 6 flowers. On the third day, you have 3 groups of 6 flowers. Can you count how many flowers you have each day?
  • Day 1: 1 group of 6 = 1 x 6 = 6
  • Day 2: 2 groups of 6 = 2 x 6 = 12
  • Day 3: 3 groups of 6 = 3 x 6 = 18
  • Day 4: 4 groups of 6 = 4 x 6 = 24
  • Day 5: 5 groups of 6 = 5 x 6 = 30
  • Day 6: 6 groups of 6 = 6 x 6 = 36
  • Day 7: 7 groups of 6 = 7 x 6 = 42
  • Day 8: 8 groups of 6 = 8 x 6 = 48
  • Day 9: 9 groups of 6 = 9 x 6 = 54
  • Day 10: 10 groups of 6 = 10 x 6 = 60
  • Day 11: 11 groups of 6 = 11 x 6 = 66
  • Day 12: 12 groups of 6 = 12 x 6 = 72
Now, imagine you are counting the petals on each flower. If each flower has 6 petals, how many petals do you have in total for 5 flowers? That’s 5 x 6 = 30 petals!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting that all answers in the 6 times table are even numbers. Why it happens: Not noticing the pattern of even numbers. Fix: When you're checking your answer, ask yourself if it's divisible by 2.
  • Mistake: Thinking 6 x 6 = 36, but confusing it with 6 + 6 = 12. Why it happens: Mixing up multiplication and addition. Fix: Use your fingers or draw groups to show that 6 x 6 means 6 groups of 6.
  • Mistake: Skipping counting in 6s. Why it happens: Not practising the rhythm of the 6 times table. Fix: Count out loud in 6s: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72.

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 6 times table can be fun and easy with a few simple steps:
  1. Start by reviewing the 3 times table together – this is the key to the 6 times table.
  2. Use everyday items like apples, toys, or coins to show groups of 6.
  3. Practice counting in 6s together – make it a game!
  4. Notice that all 6 times table answers are even numbers – this helps with checking answers.
  5. Use a chart or flashcards to help memorise the facts.
  6. Keep practice sessions short and fun – 5 to 10 minutes a day works best.
  7. Encourage your child to explain what they’ve learned – this helps them remember!
  8. Don’t worry if they forget – repetition and practice will help them remember.
  9. Be patient and celebrate small wins – learning times tables is a big job!
  10. Remember to keep it light and positive – times tables are a skill, not a test!

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 x 6?
  2. What is 7 x 6?
  3. What is 9 x 6?
  4. What is 11 x 6?
  5. What is 12 x 6?
Answers:
  1. 18
  2. 42
  3. 54
  4. 66
  5. 72

FAQ

How can I remember the 6 times table?

Use the 3 times table and double each answer. For example, 3 x 6 = 18, so 6 x 6 = 36. Also, all answers are even numbers!

Why is the 6 times table useful?

It helps with sharing, counting money, solving puzzles, and even playing games. Knowing it helps you do maths faster!

Can I use the 6 times table to solve word problems?

Yes! If you know 6 x 8 = 48, you can solve problems like: “If there are 8 boxes with 6 toys in each, how many toys are there in total?”

What if I forget a fact?

Use the 3 times table to double it, or count in 6s. You can also use your fingers or draw groups to help you work it out.

How can I practice the 6 times table at home?

Use flashcards, count in 6s, play games, or use everyday items like buttons or crayons to make groups of 6. Make it fun!

Complete 6 times table facts

6 times table Answer
0 x 6 0
1 x 6 6
2 x 6 12
3 x 6 18
4 x 6 24
5 x 6 30
6 x 6 36
7 x 6 42
8 x 6 48
9 x 6 54
10 x 6 60
11 x 6 66
12 x 6 72