Math Teaching Tools


Multiplication Charts


pdf printable version of 0-9 chart

pdf printable version of 0-12 chart


Text in pdf version


Multiplication Charts can help students learn their multiplication facts. I believe in using the charts instead of using calculators. Tracing over the chart with the fingers to find the answers allows the students to see the patterns in the numbers as they find the answer. Doing this over and over again will help the students remember the numbers. I believe in using multiples and addition to help students fill out the chart, rather than using a calculator. This reinforces the multiples and the fact that multiplication is just a faster way to do addition.

Step 1: First review the concept that everything multiplied by zero is zero and have the students fill in the first row and column with zeros.

Step 2: Then review the concept that everything multiplied by one is itself and have the students fill out the second row and column by copying the numbers from the top and side of the chart.

Step 3: For the twos, remind the students how easy it is to count by twos and have them count by twos for the third row and column of the chart.

Step 4: Some students can count by threes as easily as they can count by twos, but for those who have trouble with this, fill in the fourth row and column by adding three to the previous number. This method can be used for the remainder of the chart. It is okay for students to use fingers and other manipulatives to make sure they get the correct answers. The act of counting things out with manipulatives can help students learn the concepts more easily.

I have used these charts with older students who are still struggling with learning their multiplication tables. They think I am giving them an edge by allowing them to use the chart, but over time, they start to memorize the answers and rely less and less on the chart. I make them fill it out themselves and check it so that they know it is important to have these numbers in their heads. The act of writing out the numbers also helps the students memorize them.

Once students learn how to use the multiplication charts to find answers, then show them how it can also be used for division problems. An example would be dividing 42 by 7. Find 7 on the top or side of the chart and follow the numbers down or to the right until finding the number 42, then use the finger to trace up or left to find the number 6 on the edge of the chart. This reinforces the concept that multiplication and division are related to each other.



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