Times tables worksheets and tips
A few tricks make times tables easier: the digits of 9× answers add up to 9, 5× ends in 0 or 5, and order does not matter – 3 × 7 equals 7 × 3.
Practise in the right order
Let pupils practise one table at a time, then mix. A short sheet every day beats one long sheet a week.
More tricks for each table
4×: double twice (4 × 7 = 14 + 14 = 28). 6×: 5× plus one more lot (6 × 8 = 40 + 8). 8×: double three times (8 × 6 → 12 → 24 → 48). 9×: ten times minus one lot (9 × 7 = 70 − 7 = 63), or the finger trick. 11×: repeat the digit (11 × 4 = 44).
Common mistakes and how to fix them
The hardest facts are 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8 and 8 × 9. Practise them extra with a rhyme: "5, 6, 7, 8 – 56 = 7 × 8". Don't confuse with addition: 3 × 4 is 12, not 7. Let pupils draw groups or a grid rectangle when unsure.