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How to learn the 9 times table

Child-friendly steps for learning the 9 times table using digit-sum patterns, finger tricks and one-less tens.

Quick answer

You can learn the 9 times table by using patterns, finger tricks, and the fact that 9 is one less than 10. For example, 9 x 4 = 36, and 3 + 6 = 9. You can also use your fingers to help you count up to 9 x 10.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to multiply any number by 9 and know the answer quickly, using patterns, finger tricks, and simple maths. Success signs:
  • You can say 9 x 7 = 63 without counting on your fingers
  • You can spot that the digits of 9 x 4 add up to 9
  • You can use your fingers to help you find 9 x 8

Why this matters

Knowing the 9 times table helps you solve bigger maths problems faster. It’s useful for cooking (like when you need to double a recipe), shopping (to work out how much 9 toys cost), or even in games where you count points. It also helps you understand how numbers work together, which makes learning more maths easier.

How it works

There are three helpful ways to learn the 9 times table:
  1. Digit sum pattern: When you multiply 9 by any number, the digits of the answer add up to 9 (except for 9 x 0).
  2. Finger trick: You can use your fingers to help you count up to 9 x 10.
  3. One less tens trick: Multiply the number by 10, then take away the number.
Let’s explore each one with fun examples.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at the 9 times table from 0 to 12:
9 x 0 9 x 1 9 x 2 9 x 3 9 x 4 9 x 5 9 x 6 9 x 7 9 x 8 9 x 9 9 x 10 9 x 11 9 x 12
0 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108
Pattern 1: Digit sums Look at 9 x 4 = 36. The digits are 3 and 6. Add them: 3 + 6 = 9. Try 9 x 7 = 63. 6 + 3 = 9. This works for all 9 times table answers except 9 x 0. Pattern 2: One less tens Try 9 x 6. First, multiply 6 by 10 = 60. Then take away 6. So, 60 - 6 = 54. That’s 9 x 6! Pattern 3: Finger trick To find 9 x 4:
  • Hold up 10 fingers.
  • Put down the 4th finger (count from the left).
  • You have 3 fingers on the left and 6 on the right.
  • So, 9 x 4 = 36.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic 9 Quest You are a brave explorer in a land where numbers are magic. To find the secret treasure, you must solve puzzles using the 9 times table. Step 1: You see a magic number 36. What times table does it come from? (Answer: 9 x 4 = 36) Step 2: You find a map with a number 72. You know it’s from the 9 times table. What number was multiplied by 9? (Answer: 9 x 8 = 72) Step 3: Use your fingers to find 9 x 9. (Answer: 9 x 9 = 81) Step 4: You have 10 apples and want to share them with 9 friends. How many apples does each friend get? (Answer: 10 ÷ 9 = 1 remainder 1, but we're multiplying, so 9 x 10 = 90 apples total) Step 5: You have a magic spell that says “Multiply by 9 and add 9.” What is 9 x 7 + 9? (Answer: 63 + 9 = 72)

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 9 x 8 = 74.
    Why it happens: A child might confuse the 9 times table with the 8 times table.
    Fix: Use the finger trick or the one-less tens trick. 9 x 8 = 72. 8 x 10 = 80, 80 - 8 = 72.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 9 x 0 = 0.
    Why it happens: Zero is tricky, and children might think that 9 x 0 = 9.
    Fix: Remind them that no groups of 9 = 0.
  • Mistake: Not noticing that the digits of the answer add up to 9.
    Why it happens: The pattern is not obvious at first.
    Fix: Practice adding digits. Try 9 x 5 = 45. 4 + 5 = 9.

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 9 times table can be fun and simple with a few tricks. Here’s how you can help:
  • Use the finger trick to show how 9 x 6 = 54. Hold up 10 fingers, put down the 6th finger. You get 5 fingers on the left and 4 on the right. So, 54!
  • Practice the digit sum pattern. Ask your child to add the digits of 9 x 7 (63). 6 + 3 = 9.
  • Use real-world examples like 9 cakes in a box, or 9 rows of 6 chairs.
  • Keep it light and fun. Play a quick game: say a number, ask them to multiply by 9.
  • Don’t rush. It’s okay to take time to learn.

Practice questions

  1. What is 9 x 3?
  2. What is 9 x 11?
  3. What is 9 x 5?
  4. Use the finger trick to find 9 x 7.
  5. Check that the digits of 9 x 6 add up to 9.
Answers:
  1. 27
  2. 99
  3. 45
  4. 63 (put down 7th finger, 6 fingers left, 3 fingers right)
  5. 9 x 6 = 54. 5 + 4 = 9. Correct!

FAQ

How do you learn the 9 times table quickly?

Use patterns like the digit sum (the digits of the answer add up to 9), the one-less tens trick (multiply by 10 then subtract), or the finger trick.

Why does 9 x 4 = 36, and 3 + 6 = 9?

This is a pattern in the 9 times table. It works because 9 is one less than 10, so when you multiply by 9, the digits always add up to 9.

Can I use my fingers for any times table?

Not all times tables, but for 9, you can use your fingers to count up to 9 x 10. It’s a helpful trick for 9.

Is 9 x 0 = 0?

Yes! Any number times 0 equals 0. So 9 x 0 = 0.

What if I forget a 9 times table fact?

You can use the finger trick or the one-less tens method to figure it out. For example, 9 x 8: 8 x 10 = 80, 80 - 8 = 72.