3F · Develop strategies
The 9s
Next table · The 9s
The famous 9s
The 9 times table has some unusually good shortcuts.
Use ×10
Calculate 9 × 7.
Rewrite 9 as 10 − 1.
9
=
10
−
1
Now multiply 7 by each part.
9
×
7
10
×
7
1
×
7
All that remains is to subtract the results.
70 − 7 = 63
Pattern trick
The top row counts up. The bottom row counts backwards.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Each colour-matched column gives one fact from the 9 times table.
1 × 9 = 09
2 × 9 = 18
3 × 9 = 27
4 × 9 = 36
5 × 9 = 45
6 × 9 = 54
7 × 9 = 63
8 × 9 = 72
9 × 9 = 81
Use your fingers
Fold the finger for the number you are multiplying by. Count left, then right.
Pick the one that makes most sense to you.
You can build 9 in other ways too.
For example, think of 9 as 3 × 3, or split it as 5 + 4.
The tricks above are probably the quickest for the 9s, but learning how to build numbers in different ways will be useful far beyond times tables — throughout your future mathematical life.
Have a try
Just the 9s
9 × 7
This counts towards your Times Tables Recall progress.
📝 Learning stage: use paper, a whiteboard or a chalkboard if it helps. Work things out. This is practice for understanding — not a test of instant recall.
You can stop here.
Repeat this strategy as often as you need before moving on.
Help us improve
What did you think?
Whether you explored this together or worked independently, we would love to hear from both learners and parents. Tell us what you enjoyed, what was confusing, or what you would like to see next.
Share your feedback
The form is short and you do not need to give your name.