First, the easy tables
- ×1: the number stays the same. 7 × 1 = 7.
- ×2: double it. 8 × 2 = 16.
- ×10: add a zero. 6 × 10 = 60.
- ×5: half of ×10. 8 × 5 is half of 80, which is 40.
That is already 4 tables out of 10. Children feel the progress, and the confidence makes the rest easier.
The 9 finger trick
Hold up 10 fingers. For 9 × 4, fold down finger number 4. There are 3 fingers to its left and 6 to its right: 36. It works up to 9 × 10. Also, the digits of every answer add up to 9: 1 + 8, 2 + 7, 3 + 6.
4 and 8: keep doubling
×4 is double, then double again: 7 × 4 → 14 → 28. ×8 is three doublings: 6 × 8 → 12 → 24 → 48.
3, 6 and 7: build on what you know
×3 is ×2 plus one more: 7 × 3 = 14 + 7 = 21. ×6 is double ×3: 6 × 7 = 21 + 21 = 42. By now most of the 7 table is known from the others; only 7 × 7 = 49 and 7 × 8 = 56 are new. For the last one, count 5, 6, 7, 8: 56 = 7 × 8.
11 to 20: split the number
A single digit times 11 repeats itself: 11 × 4 = 44. For 12 to 20, split into 10 and the rest: 14 × 6 = 10 × 6 + 4 × 6 = 60 + 24 = 84. With practice this takes a few seconds, and a child who can split numbers never has to memorise 20 tables.
A 10-minute daily routine
Today's table
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Free tables 1 to 20 chart, in English, Gujarati and Hindi digits (PDF)Patterns first, then a little practice every day. In a month most children know their tables up to 10, and can work out the rest.
Questions
What is the fastest way to learn tables?
Learn the patterns first (×2, ×5, ×10, ×9), build the other tables from them, and practise 10 minutes a day with a self-test.
How can I learn tables 11 to 20 easily?
Split the number into 10 and the rest: 16 × 7 = 10 × 7 + 6 × 7 = 70 + 42 = 112.
Up to which table should a child know by heart?
Many schools expect tables up to 10 by Class 3 and up to 20 by Class 5. Tables beyond 10 can be worked out by splitting.
Is the tables chart free?
Yes. Download and print it in English, Gujarati or Hindi digits, with no sign-up.
