Times table tricks › The 9s · En español

The 9 times table trick

Multiply by 10, then take away the number.

1. 9 × 7
2. 10 × 7 = 70
3. 70 − 7 = 63

1. Multiply by 10: 9 × 7 starts with 70.
2. Take away one 7: 70 − 7 = 63.

Examples

• 9 × 7: 70 − 7 = 63
• 9 × 12: 120 − 12 = 108

Why it works

9 groups is 10 groups minus 1 group.

The finger trick

Hold up 10 fingers and fold down finger number n, counting from the left. The fingers to its left are the tens, the fingers to its right are the ones. For 9 × 4, fold the 4th finger: 3 on the left, 6 on the right, so 36. It works for 9 × 1 to 9 × 10.

Try it: 10 questions

The 9 times table

• 9 × 1 = 9
• 9 × 2 = 18
• 9 × 3 = 27
• 9 × 4 = 36
• 9 × 5 = 45
• 9 × 6 = 54
• 9 × 7 = 63
• 9 × 8 = 72
• 9 × 9 = 81
• 9 × 10 = 90
• 9 × 11 = 99
• 9 × 12 = 108

Printable sheet (PDF) The trick, the full table and 20 practice problems with answers, on one page.

Flash cards (PDF)

Common questions

Why do the digits of 9 times table answers add up to 9?

Each answer is 10 × n − n. Going from one answer to the next adds 10 and takes away 1, so the tens digit goes up by one as the ones digit goes down by one, and their sum stays 9 (up to 9 × 10).

Does the finger trick work for 9 × 11?

No, only up to 9 × 10. Use 10 × n − n instead: 110 − 11 = 99.

More tricks: 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 10 · 11 · 12. Or take the 1-minute multiplication test.