9 Times Table - The Finger Trick and Pattern Magic
Master the 9 times table with the famous finger trick and five amazing patterns. Discover why 9× is easier than it looks.
What You'll Learn
- The complete 9 times table with pattern explanations
- The famous finger trick with step-by-step instructions
- Five mathematical patterns that make 9× facts predictable
- Why the 9 times table is easier than it looks
The Complete 9 Times Table
The 9 times table is unique in the multiplication world. Despite appearing late in the learning sequence, it is often easier to master than the 6, 7, or 8 times tables thanks to remarkable patterns and the famous finger trick.
| Multiplication | Answer | Digit Sum | Pattern Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 × 1 | 9 | 9 | Tens digit: 0 |
| 9 × 2 | 18 | 9 (1+8) | Tens digit: 1 |
| 9 × 3 | 27 | 9 (2+7) | Tens digit: 2 |
| 9 × 4 | 36 | 9 (3+6) | Tens digit: 3 |
| 9 × 5 | 45 | 9 (4+5) | Tens digit: 4 |
| 9 × 6 | 54 | 9 (5+4) | Tens digit: 5 |
| 9 × 7 | 63 | 9 (6+3) | Tens digit: 6 |
| 9 × 8 | 72 | 9 (7+2) | Tens digit: 7 |
| 9 × 9 | 81 | 9 (8+1) | Tens digit: 8 |
| 9 × 10 | 90 | 9 (9+0) | Tens digit: 9 |
Notice the remarkable consistency: the digit sum always equals 9!
The Five Amazing Patterns of the 9 Times Table
Pattern 1: Digit Sum Always Equals 9
Every product in the 9 times table has digits that sum to 9 (for 9×1 through 9×10).
9 × 6 = 54 → 5 + 4 = 9 ✓
9 × 8 = 72 → 7 + 2 = 9 ✓
This provides a perfect self-checking mechanism. If your digits don't sum to 9, the answer is wrong!
Pattern 2: Tens Digit Equals n-1
When multiplying 9 by n, the tens digit always equals n-1.
9 × 7 = 63 (tens digit is 6, which equals 7-1)
9 × 9 = 81 (tens digit is 8, which equals 9-1)
Pattern 3: Ascending and Descending Digits
The tens digits ascend (0, 1, 2, 3...) while the ones digits descend (9, 8, 7, 6...).
Notice the beautiful symmetry around 45!
Pattern 4: Ten Minus One Relationship
Every 9× fact equals (10 times that number) minus that number.
9 × 8 = (10 × 8) - 8 = 80 - 8 = 72
The Famous 9 Times Table Finger Trick
This trick provides foolproof calculation for 9×1 through 9×10.
Complete Instructions
Setup:
- Hold both hands in front of you, palms facing away
- Spread all fingers
- Number fingers left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (left pinky = 1, right pinky = 10)
To calculate 9 × n:
- Fold down the finger numbered n
- Fingers to the LEFT of folded finger = tens digit
- Fingers to the RIGHT of folded finger = ones digit
Worked Examples
Example: 9 × 4
- Fold down finger #4 (left index finger)
- Fingers to left: 3
- Fingers to right: 6
- Answer: 36
Example: 9 × 7
- Fold down finger #7 (right index finger)
- Fingers to left: 6
- Fingers to right: 3
- Answer: 63
Why the Finger Trick Works
The finger trick isn't magic—it's a physical representation of the mathematical pattern!
When you fold finger n:
- You have n-1 fingers to the left (tens digit)
- You have 10-n fingers to the right (ones digit)
- These always sum to 9: (n-1) + (10-n) = 9
Common Mistakes and Solutions
- Finger Numbering Confusion: Always start from LEFT pinky as #1. Practice numbering separately before calculating.
- Forgetting to Apply Patterns: Make digit sum checking non-optional initially.
- Confusing with 6× Facts: Products get mixed up (54 vs. 45). Use digit sum check—6× products don't sum to 9.
- Finger Trick Dependency: View the trick as temporary scaffold. Gradually try recall before using trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teach both. The finger trick provides immediate success and confidence while memorization develops through repeated trick use. Most students naturally transition from trick to recall.
For most students, yes. The multiple patterns and reliable finger trick make 9× more accessible despite appearing later in the sequence.
The standard trick only works for 9×1 through 9×10. For higher facts, use the patterns (tens digit = n-1, digits sum to 9).
Start Practicing Today
The 9 times table combines remarkable mathematical patterns with a reliable physical trick, making it surprisingly accessible. Within 2-3 weeks of daily 10-minute practice, the finger trick will transition from necessary tool to occasional backup as memorization solidifies.
Practice the 9 times table and all others in our interactive practice mode.