Times tables practice against the clock

Knowing that 7 × 8 is 56 isn't the goal. The goal is knowing it without thinking. Every later bit of mental math — two-digit multiplication, division, fractions — sits on top of that.

How to take the test

Open R3CK0N, pick Math → Multiplication and set the difficulty to Easy. Every problem is two numbers from 2 to 12. Choose a timer (15 to 120 seconds) or a fixed count (10 to 100 problems), type each answer and press Enter.

At the end you get your problems per minute, your accuracy, and a bar for every problem showing how long it took. Those bars are the useful part: the facts you haven't truly memorised stand out as tall spikes.

Learn the tables in the right order

Of the 121 facts from 2 × 2 to 12 × 12, most are easy once you notice the patterns. Learn in this order and each stage shrinks what's left:

1. × 2, × 10, × 5 — doubling, adding a zero, and half of ×10.
2. × 11 — up to 9 × 11, just repeat the digit (7 × 11 = 77).
3. × 9 — ×10 minus the number (9 × 7 = 70 − 7 = 63). Up to 9 × 10, the digits of the answer always add to 9.
4. × 4 — double, then double again. × 3 — double, then add one more.
5. Squares — 6 × 6, 7 × 7, 8 × 8 and 12 × 12 = 144 are worth learning as single facts.
6. What's left — 6 × 7, 6 × 8, 7 × 8, and the × 12 row. Remember 7 × 8 as "5, 6, 7, 8": 56 = 7 × 8.

Remember multiplication works both ways: once you know 6 × 8 = 48, you know 8 × 6. That halves the list — it's why a multiplication chart is a mirror image across its diagonal.

Why timed practice works

A fact is memorised when recall is faster than working it out. Untimed worksheets let you get away with counting up on your fingers; a clock doesn't. Short, daily, timed runs — even one minute — build that instant recall faster than long sessions once a week.

After the times tables

When Easy stops being a challenge, move to Medium (factors 2–99), then learn the methods in how to multiply two-digit numbers in your head. Division drills use the same facts backwards — 56 ÷ 7 is just 7 × 8 in disguise.

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes. It's free, there are no ads, and no account or email is needed to play.

Up to 12 or up to 10?

The Easy setting goes up to 12 × 12, which covers the tables most schools teach.