15 Best Ways to Memorize Times Tables Fast: Science-Backed Tips

Struggling with multiplication tables is a common hurdle for students and parents. As an educator specializing in learning techniques, I’ve seen that frustrating feeling many times: a child freezes on 7×8 during homework, or you watch them count on their fingers instead of recalling facts quickly. I’ve been there as a parent, too. Without mastering these basic facts, more complex math problems become unnecessarily difficult.

Today, I’m sharing 15 science-backed techniques that are proving effective for learners in 2025. These proven strategies work with how the brain actually stores and retrieves information, not just through mindless repetition. I’ll include specific practice schedules for ages 7-12 and for adult learners and show you exactly how to implement these methods for lasting results.

Most Effective Methods: Where to Start

Research consistently shows that certain memorization techniques produce faster and more lasting results. Based on scientific evidence, here’s how you should prioritize your approach:

• Begin with retrieval practice (flashcards, practice testing) – Studies show this method improves retention by 35% compared to passive review.
• Implement spaced practice – Spreading out learning sessions over days improves recall by 15% over cramming.
• Build conceptual understanding with visual methods (arrays, area models).
• Use chunking techniques for difficult facts.
• Apply memory techniques (memory palace, mnemonics) for stubborn facts.

This sequence moves from foundational understanding to efficient memorization strategies, giving you the fastest path to multiplication mastery.

Method	Primary Benefit	Effectiveness	Best For
Retrieval Practice (Flashcards)	Active recall strengthens memory	Very High (35% better than passive review)	All learners
Spaced Practice	Distributes learning for better retention	High (15% better than cramming)	All learners
Visual Methods	Builds conceptual understanding	Medium-High	Visual learners
Chunking Techniques	Breaks down difficult facts	Medium	Learners struggling with specific facts
Memory Techniques	Creates vivid associations	Medium	Hard-to-remember facts
Songs/Rhymes	Uses different brain pathways	Medium	Auditory learners
Games	Increases engagement and practice	Medium	All learners
Teaching Others	Deepens understanding	Medium-High	Confident learners
Progress Tracking	Provides motivation	Medium	All learners

Practice with Flashcards

Flashcards remain one of the most effective methods for memorizing times tables because they use retrieval practice, the act of actively recalling information rather than passively reviewing it.

Research shows that students who used flashcards remembered significantly more multiplication facts than those who practiced through chanting alone, both immediately after practice and a week later. Specifically, retrieval practice with flashcards resulted in 80% retention versus 60% for passive review methods.

To implement this method:

• Create a set of cards with the equation on one side and the answer on the other.
• Spend 5 minutes daily on flashcard drills.
• Sort cards into “mastered” and “needs work” piles.
• Digital options like Quizlet work, but physical cards provide tactile engagement.

Group Facts by Low Similarity

Contrary to common practice, teaching multiplication facts in columns (all 2s, then all 3s) creates confusion because similar items interfere with each other in memory.

A more effective approach is to group dissimilar facts together. This technique has been shown to reduce interference and improve recall accuracy by 25%. For example:

• Group 1: 3×7, 4×8, 5×6
• Group 2: 7×7, 8×3, 2×9

To implement this method:

• Identify 3-4 facts that look and sound different.
• Practice these together until mastered.
• Move to a new group of dissimilar facts.
• Start with the 2s, 5s, and 10s tables as they’re generally easier.

Visualize with Arrays and Area Models

Visual representations build a conceptual understanding that supports memorization. Arrays (rows and columns of dots) and area models help children see what multiplication actually means.

For example, a 4×7 array shows 4 rows with 7 dots in each row, making the total of 28 visible:

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Area models break down larger problems. For instance, 12×9 becomes:

10 × 9 = 90   |   2 × 9 = 18

               |

Total: 90 + 18 = 108

Research shows that students who understand the concept behind multiplication through visual models achieve better retention of the facts.

For a step-by-step video tutorial on using arrays and area models, check out this visual guide: YouTube Video Guide for Arrays and Area Models.

Break Down with Chunking Techniques

Chunking breaks difficult multiplication facts into manageable pieces using facts your child already knows.

Step-by-Step Chunking for Difficult Facts:

7 × 8 = 56

Break down 7 as (5 + 2)

Calculate (5 × 8) + (2 × 8) = 40 + 16 = 56

6 × 9 = 54

Break down 9 as (10 – 1)

Calculate (6 × 10) – (6 × 1) = 60 – 6 = 54

12 × 7 = 84

Break down 12 as (10 + 2)

Calculate (10 × 7) + (2 × 7) = 70 + 14 = 84

Other effective chunking patterns include:

Doubling (7×4 is double 7×2)

Making tens (7×9 is 7×10 minus 7)

Using 5s (7×6 is 7×5 plus 7)

Have your child say each step aloud: “12 times 8 equals 10 times 8 plus 2 times 8, which is 80 plus 16, which equals 96.”

Sing Through Times Tables

Music engages different brain areas than standard memorization, making multiplication songs particularly effective for auditory learners.

Resources for multiplication songs:

YouTube channels like Math With Mr. J offer catchy multiplication songs.

Apps such as “Multiplication Musical” set times tables to familiar tunes.

ClassDojo’s “Times Tables” songs use repetitive melodies.

To create your own multiplication song, take a simple, familiar tune (like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) and replace the lyrics with times tables. The rhythm and melody provide memory cues that plain recitation lacks.

For an example of a catchy times tables song, watch this video: YouTube Times Tables Song Example.

Play Multiplication Games

Games transform practice from a chore into an engaging activity that increases motivation and provides immediate feedback.

Effective multiplication games include:

• Times Tables Snap (matching cards with equivalent products)
• Multiplication War (each player flips two cards and multiplies them)
• Multiplication Bingo (call out facts and mark products)
• Apps that provide mixed practice include:
• Prodigy Math (RPG-style gameplay)
• Multiplication Ninja (quick-recall challenges)

These games create low-stress environments where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than sources of discouragement.

Mix and Space Practice Sessions

Spacing (distributing practice over time) and interleaving (mixing different types of problems) are scientifically proven to improve long-term retention.

Research shows that spaced repetition improves retention by about 15% over massed practice, or cramming.

In simple terms:

Spacing: short, frequent practice sessions beat cramming.

Mixing: practicing various tables together beats mastering one at a time.

A 7-day plan might look like:

• Day 1: Introduce 3×, 4×, 6× (10 minutes)
• Day 2: Review day 1 + introduce 7× (12 minutes)
• Day 3: Mixed practice of all facts so far (10 minutes)
• Day 4: Review + introduce 8× (15 minutes)
• Day 5: Mixed practice of all facts (12 minutes)
• Day 6: Review + introduce 9× (15 minutes)
• Day 7: Comprehensive mixed review (15 minutes)

This approach works better than cramming because it aligns with how memory consolidation naturally occurs.

Use Memory Palaces and Mnemonics

Memory techniques that create vivid mental images can be particularly helpful for difficult facts. I once worked with a student who was convinced he was “bad at math” because the 8s table wouldn’t stick. We created a silly story for 8×7, and the breakthrough was almost immediate.

Step-by-Step Memory Palace Example:

• Choose a familiar location (your house) with distinct “rooms” for each table.
• Place vivid, memorable images in each location to represent products.
• Mentally “walk” through these locations during practice.

Vivid Mnemonic Stories for Difficult Facts:

• 7 × 8 = 56: Seven dwarves and eight spiders create 56 snowballs blocking your front door.
• 6 × 9 = 54: Six cats chase nine mice on your sofa, leaving 54 cat hairs. A little gross, but memorable!
• 12 × 7 = 84: Twelve eggs crack as seven chickens dance in your kitchen sink, forming the number 84 in yolk.
• 8 × 6 = 48: Eight octopuses and six shoes on your bed result in 48 tangled shoelaces.
• 9 × 7 = 63: Nine flamingos wearing seven pairs of sunglasses cast shadows spelling out 63 in your backyard.

Utilize Visual Aids and Charts

Strategic placement of multiplication charts provides passive exposure that reinforces active learning.

Effective placement locations include:

• On the refrigerator door for daily viewing
• Inside a book cover or planner that’s used regularly
• For active engagement, use fill-in-the-blank charts where children or adults complete missing products. This turns passive viewing into retrieval practice.

Consider using:

• Color-coded charts highlighting pattern families
• Laminated charts that can be written on with dry-erase markers
• Gradually blanking out mastered facts over time

Recite in Random Order

Once basic familiarity is established, random-order practice builds flexible recall necessary for real-world application.

To implement random practice:

• Set a 2-minute timer for focused drill.
• Have a partner call out random multiplication facts.
• Record the number of correct answers and aim to beat previous records.
• Use an app like Math Trainer that generates random problems.

This prevents children and adults from relying on sequential patterns (like counting by 7s) and builds true mastery.

Teach It to Someone Else

The “protégé effect” describes how teaching material to others deepens our own understanding and retention.

Ways children and adults can teach multiplication:

Create a mini-lesson for younger siblings or peers.

Make a video explaining a times table.

Play “teacher” with parents, friends, or children as students.

This approach builds confidence and reveals knowledge gaps. A simple script might be: “Today I’ll teach you the 7 times table. First, let’s look at what 7 times 1 equals…”

Track Progress with a Workbook or App

Tracking progress provides motivation and highlights areas needing more attention.

Workbook vs. app features:

• Workbooks provide a tangible record and work well for visual learners.
• Apps offer immediate feedback and adaptive difficulty.
• Both can track mastery percentages and time-to-recall.

A simple tracking chart might show:

• Times tables on one axis, days of the week on another
• Color-coding for mastery level (red, yellow, green)
• Set a realistic goal of mastering 5 new facts per day, with regular review of previously learned facts.

Reward Consistent Effort

Strategic rewards maintain motivation through the challenging process of memorization.

Effective reward systems include:

• Sticker charts with a small prize after earning 20 stickers
• A points system where accumulated points earn privileges
• Visual progress maps (climbing a mountain, completing a puzzle)

Good reward examples include:

• 15 minutes of extra screen time
• Choosing a weekend activity
• A special healthy treat
• Focus on rewarding effort and improvement, not just perfect performance.

Adapt for Different Learning Styles and Needs

Different children and adults learn differently, so adjusting your approach increases effectiveness.

For Visual Learners:

• Use flashcards, charts, arrays, and color-coding.
• Draw multiplication facts.
• Use graphic organizers and visual patterns.

For Auditory Learners:

• Implement songs, rhymes, and verbal recitation.
• Record facts for repeated listening.
• Discuss strategies and explain reasoning aloud.

For Kinesthetic Learners:

• Incorporate movement games and finger counting.
• Use manipulatives (counters, blocks).
• Create hands-on arrays with physical objects.

Adaptations for Learning Differences

For Dyscalculia:

• Use concrete manipulatives before moving to abstract symbols.
• Break down tables into smaller, manageable chunks.
• Use multisensory approaches (touch, sight, sound).
• Provide external memory aids like reference charts.
• Focus on one operation at a time.

For Dyslexia:

• Use multisensory methods (sand writing, arm tapping).
• Color-code and organize visual information clearly.
• Provide audio recordings of times tables.
• Use consistent verbal patterns for memorization.
• Implement explicit mnemonic strategies.

Digital Tools and Resources

Tool/Resource	Features & Benefits	Cost	Target Age/Grades
Quizlet	Digital flashcards, games, test modes. Highly customizable for any subject, supports group studying.	Free basic; Paid plans available	Middle school to Adult
Prodigy Math	Game-based RPG with 45,000+ questions, 1,500+ skills. Adaptive, self-paced, parent dashboard.	Free basic; Premium plans available	Grades 1–8 (ages 6–14)
Multiplication Ninja	Quick multiplication drills with leaderboards and time challenges. Builds speed and fact fluency.	Free or very low cost	Elementary (ages 7–11)
Math Trainer	Simple web/app-based drills focusing on rapid calculation and repetition.	Mostly free; some premium features	Elementary & Middle
Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRockstars)	Online platform where students can practice times tables through competitive games and challenges. Includes official play and support options.	Varies; Free trial available	All ages

Additional Resources:

TTRockstars Official Site: https://ttrockstars.com

Student Play Login: https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student

TTRockstars Support: https://www.ttrockstars.org/support/

Create a Weekly Practice Schedule for Ages 7–12 and Adults

Age Group	Daily Time	Focus	Example Week Plan
Ages 7-8	10-15 min	Tables 2-5	M: Flashcards (5 min) + Song (5 min) T: Game (10 min) W: Visual models (5 min) + Practice (5 min) Th: Mixed review (10 min) F: Teach someone (10 min)
Ages 9-10	15-20 min	All tables through 10×10	M: Flashcards (10 min) + Game (10 min) T: Chunking practice (7 min) + Song (8 min) W: Random order quiz (10 min) + Reward Th: Mixed review game (15 min) F: Create own problems (15 min)
Ages 11-12	20-25 min	All tables + extensions to 12×12	M: Timed drills (10 min) + Application problems (10 min) T: Create teaching materials (20 min) W: Mixed practice (10 min) + Extension (10 min) Th: Game competition (20 min) F: Comprehensive review (20 min)
Adults	10-20 min	Focus on problem tables and context use	M: Flashcards (5 min) + App (5 min) T: Chunking methods (10 min) W: Teach a peer (10 min) Th: Mixed practice with timed drills (10 min) F: Use memory palace method (10 min)

Build Credibility with Expert Insights

According to research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, retrieval practice through flashcards produces significantly better retention than passive review. Students using retrieval practice demonstrated 80% retention versus 60% for passive review methods.

As Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University, notes: “When we teach math facts in isolation through repetition and timed testing, we are actually setting students up for failure. Instead, conceptual understanding must come first, followed by practice in context.”

This aligns with findings from cognitive science indicating that understanding the underlying patterns and relationships in multiplication tables supports faster and more durable memorization than rote approaches alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many minutes per day is ideal for times tables practice?

• Ages 7-8: 10-15 minutes daily
• Ages 9-10: 15-20 minutes daily
• Ages 11-12: 20-25 minutes daily
• Adults: 10-20 minutes daily or in focused bursts

Multiple short sessions are more effective than one long session.

2. What if my child or I miss a practice session?

• Simply continue the next day; avoid doubling up.
• Focus on consistency over perfection.

If multiple days are missed, do a quick review before introducing new material.

3. How do I keep retention after the weekends?

• Schedule brief weekly maintenance sessions (5-10 minutes).
• Incorporate multiplication into daily activities (shopping, cooking).
• Use mixed review games monthly to keep facts fresh.

4. How can I memorize times tables fast?

• Use retrieval practice with flashcards.
• Group dissimilar facts together.
• Space practice over several days rather than cramming.
• Use multiple methods (visual, verbal, kinesthetic).

For intensive learning, use short sessions with flashcards, songs, and random order practice, combined with chunking and memory palaces for the hardest facts.

5. Is there a trick to learning multiplication?

• Break down harder facts using already-known facts.
• Look for patterns (doubling, making tens).
• Use memory techniques for difficult-to-remember facts.
• Teach the material to someone else.

6. Why can’t I remember times tables?

• You may be using methods that don’t match your learning style.
• Practice might be too massed rather than spaced.
• Anxiety or negative associations may be blocking recall.
• You might need more conceptual understanding before memorization.

7. How to remember tables up to 30 easily?

• Master 1-12 first as a foundation.
• Use chunking for larger numbers (30×7 = 3×7 with a zero added).
• Practice with real-world applications to build relevance.
• Create pattern-based shortcuts (the 30s table is the 3s table with an added zero).

Conclusion

Mastering multiplication tables creates a foundation for mathematical confidence and success. These 15 science-backed techniques work because they align with how our brains naturally learn and retrieve information. Starting with the most effective methods, retrieval practice and spaced repetition, will give you the fastest results. Adjust the approach based on individual learning styles and needs, particularly for those with dyscalculia or dyslexia. Being consistent with practice will bring remarkable progress in your multiplication fluency.