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Times tables for the 11+: why they matter and how to practise

Updated 2026-11-14

Quick recall of times tables underpins most of the maths in an 11+ paper, from fractions and percentages to area and ratio. A child who knows them instantly has more time and attention for the thinking part of each question.

What to aim for

In England, the National Curriculum expects children to know their times tables up to 12 × 12 by the end of Year 4, and Year 4 pupils sit a short multiplication tables check. For the 11+, the aim is instant recall, including the matching division facts: if 7 × 8 = 56, then 56 ÷ 7 = 8 and 56 ÷ 8 = 7.

It also helps to know the square numbers up to 12 × 12 = 144, and to multiply by 10, 100 and 1,000 confidently.

Five-minute ways to practise

Quick-fire questions in the car or at breakfast, mixing the tables rather than going in order.
Division as well as multiplication: “What times 6 makes 42?”
A pack of cards: take out the kings, turn over two cards and multiply them (count jacks as 11 and queens as 12).
Beat your score: one minute of mixed questions, recorded on a chart.
Free online flash cards, such as the maths cards on our website.

Focus on the tricky ones

Many children find a small group of facts hard, often the 6, 7, 8 and 12 times tables. Keep a list of the facts your child hesitates on and spend most practice time there. Patterns help: up to 9 × 10, the digits of the 9 times table add to 9 (9 × 7 = 63, and 6 + 3 = 9), and the 12 times table is 10 times plus 2 times.

The 9 times table from 9 × 1 = 9 to 9 × 10 = 90. In every answer the digits add up to 9. — A pattern that helps with the 9 times table, up to 9 × 10.

Using tables in 11+ questions

Times tables are rarely tested on their own in the 11+. They appear inside other questions: simplifying 24/36, finding 3/8 of 64, working out the area of a 7 cm by 9 cm rectangle, or sharing in a ratio. Once recall is quick, show your child how often these facts come up in practice papers.

Questions parents ask

My child is in Year 5 and still unsure of some tables. Is it too late?

Not at all. Ten minutes a day on the facts they don't know will make a big difference within a few weeks.

Should my child use tricks or just memorise?

Both. Patterns help with understanding, but the aim is instant recall without needing the trick.

Are times tables enough for 11+ maths?

They are the foundation, but children also need to apply them to fractions, area, ratio and word problems.

Want to see what a paper set out like your child's test looks like? Every pack and handbook has a free sample. Find your test area or try the free flash cards.