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Learning the 7 times table: tips and tricks
Learning the 7 times table
The 7 times table is the hardest to learn because 7 is a prime number, and so the final digit does not repeat itself until 10x7 . The 3 times table offers the same challenge, but is less difficult to learn because the numbers are smaller, so don't usually involve number changes in both the tens and units columns (in fact, only 4x3 = 1 2 and 7x3 = 2 1 do so).
Step-by-step 7 times table learning
- Arm yourself with your times tables learning aids – and make sure your child is confident with the 2, 3, 4 and 5 times tables .
- Start by explaining why 7s are more difficult, and then say the table slowly, inviting your child to join in, but not requiring it. Ask if they'd like you to do this again.
- Then try the paired table approach (saying the table out loud at the same time as your child), going very slowly and giving your child every opportunity to catch on.
- A judgement call from here on in, but I usually then use the paired approach to 3x7, then start from the beginning and go to 5x7 . If it sticks, great – if not, go back and build up carefully.
- Complete the second part of the table once the first part is secure.
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The 7 times table is likely to take more practice than the others ; as long as the 2 times table (the foundation of all multiplication tables learning), the 3 times table and the 4 times table are in place, though, children can usually learn it in ten days or so.
3 times table tips and tricks
- A brilliant mnemonic from Guardian Education to help with tricky 7s. Write down these three columns:
- Alternatively, write down the numbers 1 to 9, and cross each digit out as it appears in the units or ones column in the 7 times table answers . This reinforces the idea that the final digit does not repeat itself.
- If 7s don't come easily, have your child write out what they know , and complete the table. Then see if they can write the elements they did not get first time round.
- Use either 5+2 p coins to make a unit of 7 to build the table physically, or Numicon if you have it. You could also cut out squared paper into 7s, and use these to build up the table and count the squares.
7 times tables practice worksheets and games
For a selection of 7 times tables worksheets and printable games see below.
Read John Bald's guide to times table learning for more general advice about multiplication tables, then browse through all times table worksheets and printable games .
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7 Times Table Mastery check
Subject: Mathematics
Age range: 7-11
Resource type: Worksheet/Activity
Last updated
8 November 2016
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How to learn your 7 times tables
Discover easy ways to tackle the tricky 7 times table , including helpful tips from a school teacher, practice problems, and a step-by-step guide for parents and kids.
Author Michelle Griczika
Published May 2024
- Key takeaways
- Prime Difficulty: The 7 times table is tough because 7 is a prime number without easy patterns
- Strategies for Success: Use skip counting, memorisation, and practice problems to learn it effectively
- Build a Foundation: Learn easier times tables first to better understand multiplication before moving on to the 7 times table
Table of contents
7 times table chart
- Tips & tricks
- Practice problems
If your child is learning multiplication facts the 7s times table will probably be one of the last they learn. That’s because the 7s times table can be the most challenging. Why? Because 7 is a prime number. You might be thinking that 3 and 5 are also prime so why is the 7 times table more difficult? Let me explain.
A prime number is a number whose factors (the numbers being multiplied) are only itself and one. In other words, the only numbers you can multiply to get 7 are 7 and 1 or 1 and 7. The same is true for 3. Because there are less fact families for prime numbers, there are more facts to learn. By contrast, composite numbers have more factors so there are less facts to learn. Take the number 4, for example. You can multiply 2 and 2 to get 4, along with 1 and 4.
While 3 and 5 are prime numbers, the times tables for these numbers are relatively easy for students to learn because of obvious patterns in the products and quicker addition.
For the 5s times table , students know that each product (the answer to a multiplication problem) must end in 0 or 5, and this alternates back and forth throughout the times table. Even young students can learn how to count by 5s and later connect this to multiplication.
Similarly, the 3s are relatively easy to learn despite 3 being a prime number. Once students learn the connection between multiplication and repeated addition , they can easily skip count by 3s to find the desired product.
For example, a student trying to solve 3 x 4 might know 3 x 3 is 9. The student can then quickly add another “group of” 3 to 9 and see that 3 x 4 = 12. While this strategy also works with the 7s times table , adding 7 to a number is typically more difficult.
Let’s say a student is trying to work out 7 x 5. The student might remember that 7 x 4 is 28. Then, the student can add another “group of” 7 to 28. While this will still lead to the correct answer of 35, it is usually more challenging for students to quickly add 7 to a number than it is to add 3 because it’s larger.
Introducing the 7 Times Tables
I recommend teaching other multiplication facts before teaching the 7 times table . Specifically, I would begin with the times tables that have predictable patterns and easier skip counting , such as the 2s, 5s, and 10s. Learning these times tables first helps students grasp the concept of multiplication as repeated addition more easily.
I cannot stress the importance of taking the time to ensure students have a concrete understanding of multiplication before asking them to memorise multiplication facts. Understanding multiplication as “groups of” a number allows students to find the product of an unknown multiplication problem even if they cannot recall the answer of the top of their head.
Before diving into our tips, take a look at the 7 times table up to 10 :
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Number and place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, operations (asmd), shape/geometry, ratio and proportion, probability, sample questions, tips for learning your 7 times tables.
While students can still use manipulatives and models to find the product of any multiplication problem, there are more efficient ways for the 7s times table. The most effective method for teaching the 7 times table is to emphasise memorisation of the facts while showing students how to utilise skip counting as needed.
Emphasise commutative property of multiplication
Before diving into memorisation strategies, remind your student of the Commutative Property of Multiplication. This multiplication property states that changing the order of the numbers being multiplied (the factors) does not change the answer (the product). Once students learn 2 x 7, they also learn 7 x 2.
The Commutative Property of Multiplication is especially helpful for learning the 7 times tables because students should also have learned several other tables by the time they know these facts. You can show your child the 7 times table chart and circle the facts they already know based on other times tables. For example, if your child has already learned the 2, 5, and 10 times tables , then you can identify 2 x 7, 7 x 2, 3 x 7, 7 x 3, 5 x 7, and 7 x 5 as facts your child already knows!
Use skip counting games & songs
Skip counting songs are great when teaching multiplication because they emphasise the idea of multiplication, meaning “groups of” a number; so 4 x 7 is the same as 4 “groups of” 7, and students can count by 7 four times to find the answer.
There are plenty of skip-counting songs for each times table, but this one for the 7s was their all-time favorite. They learned the 7s facts extremely fast, probably because they always sang the song!
Sometimes you have to resort to good ole’ flashcards. While skip counting is a great strategy for solving multiplication facts your student doesn’t remember, quick recall is important when taking timed tests. I never advise starting with rote memorisation but in the end, students have to memorise their facts. Flashcards have been proven to create neural pathways in the brain which makes recalling information easier and quicker. Plus, many students find the act of handwriting flashcards in and of itself helpful for memorisation.
Practise times table with DoodleMaths!
DoodleMaths is an award-winning app that’s filled with thousands of questions and games exploring multiplication, division and more! Plus, get free access to DoodleTables with any DoodleMaths subscription!
Designed by teachers, it creates each child a unique work programme tailored to their needs, doubling their progression with just 10 minutes of use a day. Try it for free!
7 times table practice problems
Here are some problems to help your child practice the 7 times table .
__ x 7 = 56
Penlope has 7 pairs of shoes. How many individual shoes does she have?
Ina spends £21 on books. Each book cost £7. How many books did she buy?
While the 7 times tables can be challenging to learn, I hope these tips have made it seem more approachable and less overwhelming for your child and/or your students. Check out more problems on our maths help app !
Lesson credits
Michelle Griczika
Michelle Griczika is a seasoned educator and experienced freelance writer. Her years teaching primary school lend depth to her understanding of diverse learning stages. Michelle enjoys running in her free time and undertaking home projects.
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7 times table and patterns
Unit 5 - 2 weeks
The PowerPoint file contains slides you can use in the classroom to support each of the learning outcomes for this unit, listed below. The slides are comprehensively linked to associated pedagogical guidance in the NCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development materials . There are also links to the ready-to-progress criteria detailed in the DfE Primary Mathematics Guidance 2020 .
Classroom slides for this unit
All spring term units, learning outcomes.
| 1 | Pupils represent counting in sevens as the 7 times table |
| 2 | Pupils explain the relationship between adjacent multiples of seven |
| 3 | Pupils use their knowledge of the 7 times table to solve problems |
| 4 | Pupils identify patterns of odd and even numbers in the times tables |
| 5 | Pupils represent a square number |
| 6 | Pupils use knowledge of divisibility rules to solve problems |
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IMAGES
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Learning the 7 times table: tips and tricks. The 7 times table is often the hardest to learn, but don't lose heart – educator John Bald has specific tips and a step-by-step learning plan to help you help your child master it.
10 questions that check children's understanding of the 7 times table through more complex methods than just giving them a 7 times table test. Included are word problems, reasoning questions and showing the relationship between numbers.
Easy tips from a teacher for learning your 7 times tables! Discover 7 times table charts, practice problems & fun memorisation strategies.
Learning the 7 times table is crucial as it forms the basis for multiplication skills and helps in solving mathematical problems efficiently. In this lesson, we will explore the 7 times table in detail, understand its patterns, and learn how to apply it in different scenarios.
These engaging 7 times table mats are ideal for developing and assessing children's conceptual understanding of this particular times table. Each mat contains six questions that have been carefully designed to develop fluency, problem-solving and reasoning around the multiplication and division facts from the 7 times table.
A Maths guide featuring a quiz, examples and a fun song to help learn the 7 times table.
Learning outcomes. 1. Pupils represent counting in sevens as the 7 times table. 2. Pupils explain the relationship between adjacent multiples of seven. 3. Pupils use their knowledge of the 7 times table to solve problems. 4. Pupils identify patterns of odd and even numbers in the times tables.
This fantastic 7 Times Table Differentiated Themed Challenge Cards resource is perfect for Second Level learners to apply and practise their knowledge of the 7 times table. The problem-solving questions include multiplication, division, one-step and multi-step word problems.
These materials will enable children to solve both arithmetic and reasoning questions involving their times tables. Children will learn how to use their knowledge of multiples of 7 to answer questions on larger numbers.
This Y4 DiM pack supports White Rose Maths small step 8. It explores the 7 times table and division facts through fluency, reasoning and problem-solving.