Times Tables by Year Group: What UK Schools Expect
By the TimesTable.co team · Updated · 3 min read
Times tables in English primary schools are spread over three years, with each year adding a new group of tables. Knowing the timeline helps you support what your child is doing at school, and spot early if they're falling behind or ready to go further.
Which times tables are learnt in each year?
| Year (age) | New tables | Also expected |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (5–6) | None | Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s; grouping and sharing with objects |
| Year 2 (6–7) | 2, 5, 10 | Matching division facts; odd and even numbers; multiplication in any order |
| Year 3 (7–8) | 3, 4, 8 | Written methods for 2-digit × 1-digit |
| Year 4 (8–9) | 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 | All facts to 12 × 12; the Multiplication Tables Check |
| Year 5–6 (9–11) | None (all learnt) | Using facts for long multiplication, division, fractions, primes and squares |
What happens in Year 1 and Year 2?
Year 1 is about the idea of multiplication: counting in steps and making equal groups. In Year 2 the 2, 5 and 10 tables are learnt properly, along with the facts that multiplication can be done in any order (see why 3 × 7 = 7 × 3) and that division undoes it. Counting in jumps on a number line is a great way to practise at this age.
What happens in Year 3?
Year 3 adds the 3, 4 and 8 tables. The 4s and 8s are built by doubling the 2s, which is why schools group them together. Children also start writing multiplication down, such as 23 × 4, using methods like the grid method.
What happens in Year 4?
Year 4 is the big one: the remaining tables (6, 7, 9, 11 and 12) and fluent recall of every fact up to 12 × 12. In June, children take the Multiplication Tables Check: 25 questions, 6 seconds each. Many schools also use times tables apps and games throughout the year.
How are times tables used in Year 5 and Year 6?
No new tables, but constant use: long multiplication, short division, equivalent fractions, factors, multiples, and prime and square numbers. Children who are still unsure of their tables in Year 5 usually find these topics much harder, which is why it's worth closing gaps early.
How can I support each year at home?
- Year 2: count in 2s, 5s and 10s on walks; play memory match with the easy tables.
- Year 3: practise doubling; try the 3s, 4s and 8s online.
- Year 4: five minutes of smart practice a day, focused on the facts your child finds hard; a printed test now and then.
- Years 5–6: keep facts fresh with the occasional speed drill.
Frequently asked questions
What times tables are taught in Year 2?
The 2, 5 and 10 times tables, including the matching division facts, and recognising odd and even numbers.
What times tables are taught in Year 3?
The 3, 4 and 8 times tables, building on the 2, 5 and 10 tables from Year 2.
What times tables are taught in Year 4?
The 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 times tables, so that by the end of Year 4 children know all tables up to 12 × 12.
What happens in Year 5 and Year 6?
Children use their times tables for bigger calculations: multiplying and dividing larger numbers, fractions, factors, multiples, prime numbers and square numbers.
Do children learn division facts too?
Yes. Each year the matching division facts are expected alongside the multiplication facts, for example 24 ÷ 8 = 3 alongside 3 × 8 = 24.
Is the Year 4 times tables check compulsory?
Yes, for pupils in state-funded schools in England. It takes place in June and has 25 questions from the 2 to 12 tables.