The Ultimate Multiplication Tricks List: 25 Easy Methods
Master multiplication with 25 proven tricks and shortcuts. Table-specific methods, finger tricks, and mental math strategies for fast learning.
What You'll Discover
- 25 multiplication tricks organized by table and difficulty
- Step-by-step instructions for each method
- When to use each trick for maximum effectiveness
- Difficulty ratings to match tricks to skill levels
Multiplication tricks are clever shortcuts that make memorizing times tables faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Instead of rote memorization, these 25 proven methods use patterns, finger techniques, visual strategies, and mental math shortcuts to help students master multiplication facts with confidence.
Tricks for All Tables
Trick 1: The Commutative Property
EasyUnderstand that 3×7 gives the same answer as 7×3. This reduces memorization burden from 144 facts to just 78 unique facts!
Know 4×9=36? Then you automatically know 9×4=36
Trick 2: The "One" Rule
Very EasyAny number multiplied by 1 equals itself. Instantly master 12 facts with zero memorization effort!
Trick 3: The "Zero" Rule
Very EasyAny number multiplied by 0 equals 0. Another complete table mastered instantly!
Tricks for 2, 4, and 8 Times Tables
Trick 4: Doubling (2×)
Very EasyMultiplying by 2 is the same as doubling the number (adding it to itself).
Trick 6: Double the Doubles (4×)
EasyMultiply by 2, then double the answer again.
Trick 14: Double, Double, Double (8×)
MediumStart with the number, double it three times.
Learn more at our 2 times table page.
Tricks for 5 and 10 Times Tables
Trick 7: The 0 and 5 Ending Pattern
Every product in the 5 times table ends in either 0 or 5.
- Even number × 5 = ends in 0
- Odd number × 5 = ends in 5
Trick 8: Half of Ten Times
Multiply by 10, then divide by 2 (take half).
Trick 20: Add a Zero (10×)
Simply add a zero to the end of the number. Instantly master an entire table with no memorization!
Tricks for 9 Times Table
The 9 times table has more tricks than any other, making it easier than its position suggests.
Trick 16: The Finger Trick
Most Popular- Hold both hands in front of you, fingers spread
- Number fingers from left to right (1-10)
- To calculate 9×n, fold down the finger numbered n
- Fingers to the left = tens digit
- Fingers to the right = ones digit
Trick 17: The Digit Sum Pattern
In any 9× product, the two digits always sum to 9.
- 9×3=27 → 2+7=9 ✓
- 9×6=54 → 5+4=9 ✓
- 9×8=72 → 7+2=9 ✓
Trick 18: Tens Minus One Pattern
The tens digit is always one less than the number being multiplied by 9.
- 9×4 = 3_ (tens digit is 4-1)
- 9×7 = 6_ (tens digit is 7-1)
Combine with digit sum trick to find the ones digit!
Trick 19: One Less Group of Ten
9 times any number equals (10 times that number) minus (1 times that number).
Tricks for 7 Times Table
The 7 times table is notoriously difficult and benefits most from tricks.
Trick 11: The "5, 6, 7, 8" Sequence
The numbers 5, 6, 7, 8 appear in sequence in the problem and answer.
"Five, six, seven, eight" → 56 = 7×8
Trick 13: Double and Add Pattern
Each answer in the 7 times table is the previous answer plus 7.
- Know 7×5=35? Then 7×6=35+7=42
- Know 7×6=42? Then 7×7=42+7=49
- Know 7×7=49? Then 7×8=49+7=56
Practice more at our 7 times table page.
Tricks for 11 and 12 Times Tables
Trick 21: Repeat the Digit (11×)
For 11×1 through 11×9, simply write the number twice.
Trick 23: Add 10× and 2× (12×)
12 times any number equals (10 times that number) plus (2 times that number).
Universal Tricks for Any Table
Trick 24: The "Break Apart" Method
Break one factor into easier parts, multiply each part, then add results.
7×8 = 7×(5+3) = (7×5)+(7×3) = 35+21 = 56
6×7 = 6×(5+2) = (6×5)+(6×2) = 30+12 = 42
Trick 25: Skip Counting
Count up by the number being multiplied, tracking how many times you've counted.
6×4: Count by 6s four times: 6, 12, 18, 24
While slower than instant recall, skip counting never fails!
Tricks by Difficulty Level
| Difficulty | Tricks |
|---|---|
| Easiest | One Rule, Zero Rule, Doubling (2×), 0/5 Ending (5×), Add Zero (10×), Repeat Digit (11×) |
| Medium | Double Doubles (4×), Add 5× and 1× (6×), Finger Trick (9×), Add 10× and 2× (12×) |
| Advanced | Digit Sum Pattern (3×), Knuckle Method (7×8), Break Apart Method (any) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tricks are legitimate mathematical strategies that support understanding. Many tricks teach mathematical properties like the commutative and distributive properties.
This varies by student and by table. The 9 times finger trick is nearly universally effective. The doubling methods for 2×, 4×, and 8× work well for sequential thinkers.
Yes, as long as you are calculating the correct answer. Tests assess knowledge of multiplication facts, not memorization methods.
With regular practice (5-10 minutes daily), most tricks become automatic within 2-3 weeks. Initially tricks feel slow and deliberate, but they speed up dramatically with repetition.
Start Practicing Today!
These 25 multiplication tricks provide practical, proven methods for learning times tables more quickly and with greater confidence. Start by identifying which facts you find most challenging, then select 2-3 tricks targeting those facts.
Want more help memorizing? Check out our guide on how to memorize multiplication tables.