Multiplication Rhymes: Catchy Phrases for Every Table

Rhyming mnemonics turn frustrating multiplication facts into memorable phrases that can stick for years. When students struggle to recall that 6×7=42 through pure memorization, the rhyme "Six times seven is forty-two, this I'm telling you is true!" provides an instant, reliable retrieval path. This guide collects popular multiplication rhymes for the most challenging facts, explains why rhymes help, and provides strategies for creating custom rhymes tailored to individual student needs.

Why Rhymes Work

Sound Gives Memory a Second Hook

How it helps: Rhyme and rhythm make a phrase easier to repeat and harder to garble. Once a child starts the phrase, the rhyming sound prompts the ending, and the ending is the answer.

Application: "Eight times eight is sixty-four" on its own is just a fact to memorize. "I ate and ate till I was sick on the floor, 8×8 is 64" links the answer to a sound (floor/four) and a funny picture, giving the child more than one way back to it.

Chunking and Pattern Recognition

Principle: Rhythmic, patterned phrases are easier to repeat and remember than loose strings of numbers.

Rhyme advantage: The rhythm and rhyme create memorable chunks, reducing cognitive load and making facts feel "natural" rather than arbitrary.

The Humor Factor

What studies suggest: Funny, silly, or unusual content tends to be remembered better than neutral content, especially when it stands out from everything around it.

Rhyme application: Many multiplication rhymes are deliberately silly ("I ate and ate till I was sick..."), creating emotional engagement that enhances memory formation.

Long-Term Retention

Observation: Many adults can still recite multiplication rhymes they learned as children.

Implication: Well-practised rhymes can be very durable, which makes them useful for facts children need for life.

Related: how to memorize multiplication tables

Complete Rhyme Collection by Table

2 Times Table Rhymes

2 × 2 = 4
"Two times two is four, that's what multiplication's for!"

2 × 9 = 18
"Two times nine is eighteen, the cleanest number you've ever seen!"

Note: 2× table is generally easy (doubling), so rhymes are more for fun than necessity.

3 Times Table Rhymes

3 × 3 = 9
"Three times three is nine, learning multiplication is fine!"

3 × 6 = 18
"Three sixes are eighteen, the best math you've ever seen!"

3 × 7 = 21
"Three times seven makes twenty-one, now the multiplication's done!"

3 × 8 = 24
"Three times eight is twenty-four, come on back and learn some more!"

4 Times Table Rhymes

4 × 4 = 16
"Four times four is sixteen, the squarest number ever seen!"

4 × 7 = 28
"Four times seven is twenty-eight, learning this fact is really great!"

4 × 9 = 36
"Four times nine is thirty-six, one of our favorite multiplication tricks!"

5 Times Table Rhymes

5 × 5 = 25
"Five times five is twenty-five, it's great to be alive!"

5 × 9 = 45
"Five times nine is forty-five, now watch your learning come alive!"

Note: 5× table pattern (ends in 0 or 5) makes rhymes optional, but still fun for engagement.

6 Times Table Rhymes

6 × 4 = 24
"Six times four is twenty-four, knock-knock-knocking at your door!"

6 × 6 = 36
"Six times six is thirty-six, pick up sticks!"
(Classic rhyme, widely used)

6 × 7 = 42
"Six times seven is forty-two, this I'm telling you is true!"
Alternative: "Six times seven makes forty-two, that's a fact and it's not new!"

6 × 8 = 48
"Six times eight is forty-eight, hurry up, don't be late!"
Alternative: "Six eights are forty-eight, learning facts is truly great!"

6 × 9 = 54
"Six times nine is fifty-four, these facts don't need to be a chore!"

Related: 6 times table

7 Times Table Rhymes (Most Important!)

7 × 3 = 21
"Seven times three is twenty-one, have some multiplication fun!"

7 × 4 = 28
"Seven times four is twenty-eight, let's learn before it gets too late!"

7 × 6 = 42
"Seven sixes are forty-two, yes this fact is really true!"
Alternative: "Seven times six is forty-two, a rhyme to help you all year through!"

7 × 7 = 49
"Seven times seven is forty-nine, that fact is really fine!"
Alternative: "Seven sevens are forty-nine, learning this will work out fine!"

7 × 8 = 56
"Five, six, seven, eight! Fifty-six is really great!"
(Uses the numerical sequence in the problem and answer)
Alternative: "Seven times eight, don't be late, the answer's fifty-six, that's great!"

7 × 9 = 63
"Seven times nine is sixty-three, multiplication works for me!"
Alternative: "Seven nines are sixty-three, count them out and you will see!"

Related: 7 times table

8 Times Table Rhymes

8 × 3 = 24
"Eight times three is twenty-four, there's always more math to explore!"

8 × 4 = 32
"Eight times four is thirty-two, this math rhyme is just for you!"

8 × 6 = 48
"Eight times six is forty-eight, studying math is really great!"

8 × 7 = 56
"Eight times seven is fifty-six, this is one of our best tricks!"

8 × 8 = 64
"I ate and ate until I was sick on the floor, eight times eight is sixty-four!"
(One of the best-known multiplication rhymes, and memorably gross)

Alternative (less graphic): "Eight times eight is sixty-four, open up the learning door!"

8 × 9 = 72
"Eight times nine is seventy-two, multiplication is good for you!"

Related: 8 times table

9 Times Table Rhymes

9 × 6 = 54
"Nine times six is fifty-four, let's learn math and then learn more!"

9 × 7 = 63
"Nine times seven is sixty-three, it's easy as can be!"

9 × 8 = 72
"Nine times eight is seventy-two, now you know what numbers do!"

9 × 9 = 81
"Nine times nine is eighty-one, multiplication is so much fun!"

Note: 9× table has the finger trick, so rhymes are supplementary rather than primary strategy.

12 Times Table Rhymes

12 × 6 = 72
"Twelve times six is seventy-two, this is good math for you!"

12 × 7 = 84
"Twelve times seven is eighty-four, there's still time to learn some more!"

12 × 8 = 96
"Twelve times eight is ninety-six, now you've learned your math tricks!"

12 × 12 = 144
"Twelve times twelve is one-forty-four, the biggest fact in our whole store!"
Alternative: "Twelve twelves make one hundred forty-four, now you've learned what twelves are for!"

The "Critical Four" Rhyme Set

Most important rhymes to teach: These four facts are among the ones children most often find hard, and they benefit most from rhyme support:

1. 6 × 7 = 42: "Six times seven is forty-two, this I'm telling you is true!"
2. 7 × 8 = 56: "Five, six, seven, eight, fifty-six is really great!"
3. 8 × 8 = 64: "I ate and ate till I was sick on the floor, 8×8 is 64!"
4. 7 × 7 = 49: "Seven sevens are forty-nine, learning this will work out fine!"

Master these four, and the most difficult facts become accessible.

Creating Custom Rhymes

The Rhyme Creation Process

Step 1: Identify the stubborn fact
Example: Student repeatedly forgets 6 × 8 = 48

Step 2: Find rhyming words
Brainstorm words that rhyme with "eight" and "forty-eight"

• Eight rhymes: late, great, wait, gate, fate, plate
• Forty-eight rhymes: late, great, create, appreciate

Step 3: Build a phrase incorporating the fact
"Six times eight is forty-eight, don't be late!"

Step 4: Test for memorability

• Is it easy to say?
• Does it have good rhythm?
• Is it memorable (funny, silly, or emotionally engaging)?

Step 5: Practice repeatedly

• Say it 10 times in a row
• Use it daily for a week
• Test recall after several days

Making Rhymes Personal

Student interests: Create rhymes incorporating student passions.

Example for soccer-loving student: "Seven eights are fifty-six, just like soccer's coolest tricks!"

Example for pizza-loving student: "Six times seven's forty-two, like pizza slices, this is true!"

Benefit: Personal connection enhances emotional engagement and memory formation.

Involving Students in Creation

Collaborative activity:

• Present the fact to learn
• Brainstorm rhyming words together
• Build rhyme as a class or family
• Vote on best version
• Everyone memorizes the group creation

Ownership effect: Students remember rhymes they helped create better than pre-made rhymes.

Teaching Rhymes Effectively

Introduction and Modeling

Don't just give students a rhyme list: Model how to use rhymes actively.

Teaching sequence:

1. Present difficult fact: "Today we're learning 7 × 8"
2. Show the challenge: "Many students find this fact hard to remember"
3. Introduce rhyme: "Here's a rhyme that helps: Five, six, seven, eight, fifty-six is really great!"
4. Practice together: Class repeats 5-10 times
5. Rhythm practice: Clap or snap while saying rhyme
6. Apply: Complete problems using rhyme as recall tool

See It, Say It, Move It

See it:

• Write rhyme on poster
• Display prominently
• Color-code the answer portion
• Add illustrations

Say it:

• Say aloud repeatedly
• Record rhyme and play back
• Set to simple tune
• Use rhythm and intonation

Move it:

• Add hand motions to rhyme
• Stand/sit actions
• Clapping patterns
• Movement while reciting

Spaced Repetition with Rhymes

Day 1: Introduce rhyme, practice 20+ times
Day 2: Review rhyme, use in 10 practice problems
Day 3: Quick recall check, reinforce if needed
Week 2: Brief review
Month later: Maintenance check

Principle: Even memorable rhymes benefit from spaced repetition to ensure long-term retention.

Making It Fun, Not Tedious

Engagement strategies:

• Silly voices when saying rhymes
• Speed challenges (how fast can you say it?)
• Rhyme relay races
• Student performances
• Creating rhyme posters
• Rhyme competitions

Avoid:

• Forced rote repetition without context
• Punishment for not memorizing
• Boring, monotone delivery
• Over-drilling in one sitting (stop while it is still fun)

Related: times tables songs

Age-Appropriate Rhyme Use

Ages 6-8 (Early Elementary)

Considerations:

• Shorter, simpler rhymes
• Very silly/fun content
• Paired with visuals
• Frequent repetition
• Group recitation

Best rhymes for this age:

• "Six times six is thirty-six, pick up sticks!"
• "Five times five is twenty-five, it's great to be alive!"
• Simple, direct rhymes with clear rhythm

Ages 9-11 (Late Elementary)

Considerations:

• Can handle longer rhymes
• Appreciate cleverness
• Able to create own rhymes
• Connect to interests

Best rhymes:

• "I ate and ate till I was sick on the floor, 8×8 is 64" (gross humor appreciated)
• "Five, six, seven, eight, fifty-six is really great!" (pattern recognition)
• Any rhymes with personal connections

Ages 12+ (Middle School/Remedial)

Considerations:

• May resist "childish" rhymes
• Value efficiency
• Able to use more sophisticated mnemonic devices
• Create own systems

Approach:

• Present rhymes as "memory tools" not "kid stuff"
• Offer choice: use rhymes or develop alternative strategies
• Emphasize efficiency: "This rhyme gives you instant recall"
• De-emphasize silly rhymes, emphasize clever ones

Rhymes vs. Other Memory Strategies

When Rhymes Are Best

Ideal situations:

• Specific stubborn facts that resist pattern learning
• Children who love words, music, and wordplay
• Young students who love silly content
• Facts with no obvious derivation strategy
• Long-term retention goals

When Other Strategies May Be Better

Consider alternatives:

• Some children prefer charts and patterns
• Some prefer derivation (6×7 = 5×7 + 7)
• Some prefer finger tricks or manipulatives
• Some students dislike rhymes and resist them

Mixed approach: Offer rhymes alongside other strategies, allow students to adopt what works for them.

Combining Rhymes with Other Methods

Optimal strategy:

• Use patterns and derivations where available
• Apply rhymes to stubborn facts that resist other methods
• Maintain practice with all methods until automatic recall emerges

Example progression for 7×8:

1. Week 1: Try pattern/derivation strategies
2. Week 2: If still struggling, introduce rhyme
3. Week 3: Use rhyme consistently
4. Week 4+: Automatic recall emerges, rhyme fades to background

Common Concerns and Solutions

"Won't rhymes become a crutch?"

Reality: Rhymes serve as training wheels. With repeated use, direct recall emerges and rhymes fade away naturally for most students.

Exception: If rhyme remains faster than recall indefinitely, that's acceptable. The goal is correct answers, not a specific mental process.

"My child uses rhymes years later, never automatic recall"

Response: If rhymes provide fast, accurate recall, this is success. Some people's brains simply work this way. Not a problem.

"Rhymes aren't working for my student"

Troubleshooting:

• Try different rhymes for same fact
• Ensure adequate repetition (20+ times initially)
• Add visuals or actions
• Notice whether the student enjoys wordplay; if not, lean on other strategies
• Try alternative strategies (visual patterns, derivations)

Not all students benefit equally from rhymes. Personalization essential.

"Are rhymes too silly/immature?"

Perspective: Silly = memorable. The "gross" 8×8 rhyme is famous because it's effective. If it works, use it. Math mastery is the goal, not maintaining dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary and Next Steps

Multiplication rhymes transform frustrating rote memorization into memorable, often fun phrases that create durable long-term memories. Rhyme, rhythm, and humor give each fact extra memory cues, which makes recall easier. While not every student or every fact requires rhymes, strategic use of rhymes for the stubborn facts (particularly 6×7, 7×8, 8×8, and 7×7) provides struggling students with a reliable path to mastery.

Start today by teaching the "Critical Four" rhymes to address the most commonly difficult facts. Practice each rhyme 10-20 times with your student, adding rhythm, actions, and visual displays. Use the rhymes consistently for 1-2 weeks whenever those facts appear. Watch as stubborn facts become much easier to recall.

The silly rhyme your student learns today may be the memory that serves them for decades. Embrace the power of rhyme, celebrate the silliness, and transform multiplication struggles into memorable victories.

Related: multiplication tricks list