Multiplication Tricks
7 min read · Updated September 26, 2026 · by the SolveCalcPro editorial team
Once you know the times tables, a handful of tricks let you multiply larger numbers in your head. They all rest on a few properties of arithmetic, so they also deepen your number sense. Try each with a pencil first, then challenge yourself to do them mentally.
Multiplying by 5 and 25
Multiplying by 5 is halving and then multiplying by 10. 48 × 5: half of 48 is 24, so 240. For 25, divide by 4 and multiply by 100: 44 × 25 = 11 × 100 = 1,100.
Multiplying by 11
For a two-digit number, add the digits and place the sum in the middle. 34 × 11 = 3 (3 + 4) 4 = 374. If the sum is 10 or more, carry: 78 × 11 = 7 (7 + 8) 8 → 7 (15) 8 = 858.
Squaring numbers ending in 5
Multiply the tens digit by one more than itself, then write 25. 35²: 3 × 4 = 12, so 1,225. And 85²: 8 × 9 = 72, so 7,225.
Double and halve
Doubling one number and halving the other keeps the product. 16 × 35 = 8 × 70 = 560.
Break numbers apart
Use the distributive property: 14 × 17 = 14 × 10 + 14 × 7 = 140 + 98 = 238. Or round and adjust: 29 × 6 = 30 × 6 − 6 = 174.
Numbers close to 100
For 97 × 94: each is short of 100 by 3 and 6. Subtract diagonally, 97 − 6 = 91 (or 94 − 3), then multiply the gaps, 3 × 6 = 18, giving 9,118. You can check the algebra: (100 − 3)(100 − 6) = 10,000 − 900 + 18. Practise with the multiplication quiz.
The 9 times table
The digits of each answer add up to 9 (9 × 7 = 63; 6 + 3 = 9), and the tens digit is one less than the number you multiply by. Also, 9 × n = 10n − n: 9 × 8 = 80 − 8 = 72.
Practice questions
Test yourself, then tap to check. Answers are calculated by the tools linked below.
- List the 8 times table up to 12.
Show answer
8 × 12: 96
- List the factors of 48.
Show answer
Factors of 48: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48
- What is 35% of 240?
Show answer
35% of 240: 84
Frequently asked questions
How can I multiply faster in my head?
Break numbers into easy parts, use doubling and halving, and learn the special cases for 5, 9, 11 and 25.
Does the 11 trick work for three digits?
Yes, with the same idea: add adjacent digits and carry where needed. For 123 × 11 = 1 (1 + 2) (2 + 3) 3 = 1353.
How do I remember the times tables?
Use patterns, symmetry and short daily practice. See the <a href="/tools/times-table">times table generator</a>.
Why do these tricks work?
They rely on the distributive property and place value.
Try it yourself
Times Table GeneratorGenerate the multiplication table for any number, up to 30 rows.Factors CalculatorList every factor and factor pair of a number and see whether it is perfect, abundant or deficient.
Percentage CalculatorFind a percent of a number, percent change, and increases or decreases.Keep learning
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