How to read a multiplication chart
Find the first number in the top row and the second number in the left column. Follow the row and the column until they meet: the square where they cross holds the answer.
For 6 × 7, go along the top to 6 and down the side to 7. The square where they meet says 42. Because 6 × 7 and 7 × 6 are the same, you will find 42 in two places.
Patterns to look for
- The diagonal of squares. The outlined squares running from top left to bottom right are the square numbers: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25…
- A mirror image. The chart is symmetrical along that diagonal, so a 8 × 8 chart has only 36 different facts to learn, not 64.
- Rows count up. Each row is one times table. Every square is the one to its left plus the row number.
- Even and odd. An even number times anything is even, so whole rows and columns of even numbers run through the chart.
Ways to use the chart
- Print a blank chart and fill it in from memory, one row at a time. Choose Black & white to save printer ink.
- Turn on Hide answers and tap squares to quiz yourself.
- Stick a printed chart next to the homework desk for quick checks.