Times Tables Songs: 20 Catchy Songs to Memorize Multiplication
Learn multiplication through music with 20 catchy times tables songs. Discover why musical learning works and how to use songs effectively.
What You'll Learn
- Why songs make multiplication easier to remember
- 20 highly effective times tables songs organized by table
- How to use songs effectively (not just passive listening)
- Creating custom songs for difficult facts
Music transforms multiplication from tedious memorization into engaging, memorable learning. Times tables songs use rhythm, melody, and repetition to help students remember multiplication facts effortlessly.
The Science Behind Musical Learning
Melody as a Memory Hook
Melodies create neural patterns that are distinct and memorable. When multiplication facts are embedded in a tune, the melody serves as a retrieval cue. This is why we can remember song lyrics from decades ago but struggle to recall lists we studied yesterday.
Rhythm and Pattern Recognition
Rhythm creates predictable patterns that our brains naturally organize and remember. Skip counting in rhythm is significantly easier than skip counting without rhythm.
Emotional Engagement
Music creates positive emotional states. When learning is associated with enjoyment, attention increases and stress decreases. Students who feel anxious during traditional drill may relax when learning through song.
Repetition Without Boredom
Songs allow for extensive repetition without the tedium of traditional drill. Students willingly listen to favorite songs dozens of times, receiving massive practice exposure without resistance.
How to Use Times Tables Songs Effectively
❌ Passive Listening
- Songs playing while student does other activities
- Minimal attention paid to lyrics
- Limited learning effect
✓ Active Listening
- Focused attention on the song
- Following along with lyrics
- Singing along actively
- Processing the mathematical content
The Sing-Along Method
- Listen to song once without singing
- Second listen, sing along while reading lyrics
- Third listen, sing without reading lyrics
- Continue singing along daily
The physical act of singing strengthens memory beyond listening alone.
Movement Integration
Adding movement to music creates even stronger memory:
- Clapping or snapping on beat
- Finger counting along with facts
- Dancing or swaying with rhythm
- Marching in place
- Hand motions representing numbers
The Best Times Tables Songs by Table
Songs for 2 Times Table
"Doubles Song"
Set to: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
Best for: Early learners connecting to prior knowledge
"2s Skip Counting Rap"
Style: Hip-hop rhythm
Best for: Students who respond to contemporary music styles
Songs for 5 Times Table
"Counting by 5s"
Set to: "The Ants Go Marching"
Best for: All ages, highly memorable melody
"Nickels Song"
Money-themed
Best for: Real-world application connection
Songs for 7 Times Table (Most Needed!)
The 7 times table has proportionally more songs because of its difficulty.
"Lucky 7s Multiplication"
Focus: 7×7=49 and 7×8=56
"The 7 Times Song"
Set to: "I've Been Working on the Railroad"
"Seven Rap"
Style: Rap/chant for kinesthetic learners
Songs for 9 Times Table
"Nines Are Fine"
Focus: 9× digit patterns
"The 9 Times Trick Song"
Combines singing with finger trick
"Counting by 9s Blues"
Style: Blues for older students
Creating Custom Songs for Stubborn Facts
When specific facts resist memorization, create personalized songs targeting those facts.
Using Familiar Tunes
Example tunes to use:
- "Happy Birthday"
- "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
- "Old MacDonald"
- "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
Process:
- Identify the stubborn fact (example: 7×8=56)
- Choose a familiar melody
- Create lyrics: "Seven times eight is fifty-six" to the tune
- Sing it 10 times
- Sing daily until automatic
Rhyming Techniques
Creating rhymes within songs enhances memorability:
- "Five, six, seven, eight" (numbers appear in sequence for 7×8=56)
- "Six and seven had some fun, makes forty-two and we're all done" (6×7=42)
- "Eight times eight, don't be late, equals sixty-four, I'm sure" (8×8=64)
Combining Songs with Other Methods
Songs + Visual Charts
- Sing songs while pointing to facts on multiplication chart
- Color-code chart sections by song
- Create visual music notes on chart
Songs + Flash Cards
- Sing table song before flash card practice
- Hum melody while drilling specific facts
- When stuck, sing song snippet with that fact
Songs + Worksheets
- Sing song before starting worksheet
- Hum quietly while working if helpful
- Use song lyrics as "help sheet"
Songs + Games
- Background multiplication songs during game play
- Musical chairs stopping on multiplication questions
- Dance parties as rewards after practice sessions
Song-Based Practice Schedule
| Week | Tables | Daily Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 1, 2, 5, 10 | 15 min | Easy tables, build confidence with sing-along |
| 3-4 | 3, 4, 6 | 20 min | 10 min new + 10 min review, add movement |
| 5-7 | 7, 8, 9 | 25 min | Heavy song reliance for difficult tables |
| 8-10 | 11, 12, Review | 20 min | Comprehensive songs, transition to independent recall |
| Ongoing | All | 2-3x weekly | Maintenance during car time or transitions |
Addressing Common Concerns
Pause song and ask for specific facts. Test recall without the song playing. Have student recite facts in rhythm without melody. Songs should support eventual independent recall, not create permanent dependency.
Seek rap, rock, or blues versions for sophistication. Allow student to choose preferred music style. Focus on rhythm and chants rather than "cutesy" songs. Create custom songs with current popular melodies.
Consider this evidence the method is working! Earworms (stuck songs) indicate strong memory formation. If songs are stuck in heads, facts are being learned.
Songs especially benefit auditory learners but help most students. Combine songs with visual and kinesthetic methods for comprehensive coverage of learning styles.
Most students need 15-30 active repetitions of a song for facts to transfer to memory. Daily listening for 2-3 weeks typically produces solid retention.
Start Singing Today!
Times tables songs harness the power of music, rhythm, and melody to make multiplication memorization easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Start by exploring songs for the tables you find most challenging.
Combine songs with our interactive practice mode for the best results!