Times tables chart: how to use one to learn multiplication facts

A times tables chart (also called a multiplication chart) shows every fact from 1 × 1 to 10 × 10 in one grid. It is a useful learning tool, as long as children use it to find patterns rather than only to look up answers.

Times tables chart 1 to 10

To find 6 × 7, go along the row for 6 and down the column for 7. The answer is 42.

Patterns to look for

• The ×10 column always ends in 0.
• The ×5 column alternates between ending in 5 and 0.
• The ×2 column is all even numbers.
• The chart is symmetrical along the diagonal, because 3 × 8 is the same as 8 × 3.
• The diagonal from 1 to 100 shows the square numbers: 1, 4, 9, 16 and so on.
• In the ×9 column, the digits of each answer add up to 9 (18, 27, 36...).

Using the chart to learn facts

1. Colour in the facts your child already knows, such as ×1, ×2, ×5 and ×10.
2. Shade the matching facts across the diagonal. Children are often surprised how much of the chart they already know.
3. Pick a small set of new facts each week to work on.
4. Cover a row with paper and ask your child to say each answer before uncovering it.

Move away from the chart

The aim is for children to stop needing the chart. Once a set of facts is coloured in, practise them without looking. Keep the chart for checking answers rather than finding them.