Hitting milestones: When should a child know their times tables?

Learning the 1 to 20 times tables is a process. In this article, learn about the multiplication milestones by school grade and when your child should know the 1 to 20 times tables.

Year 1
Children learn simple additions such as 1 + 1, 1 + 2, 3 + 3.

Year 2
Children are introduced to simple multiplication and repeated addition for lower numbers such as 2, 3, 4

Year 3
A crucial moment for children to learn times tables. At this point, they are expected to memorize the 3, 4, and 5 times tables

Year 4
Children learn multiplication facts of up to 12 x 12. They develop their skills in multiplying 2- and 3-digit numbers.

Year 5 and 6
By year 5 and 6, children should have memorized the 12 x 12 multiplication table. They should be able to multiply 2- and 3-digit numbers and they should also solve longer multiplication tasks such as 8 x 9 x 12 x 4. In year six they should be able to solve the 1 to 20 tables

Although this is the recommended schedule, learning the multiplication and table from 1 to 20 is a matter of the ability to learn and memorize. Some children can master the 12 x 12 times table by the third year while others struggle even in their sixth year. Parents should track the progress of their children and encourage them to do better. If your child does not learn the time table during this period, they are likely to have difficulty in mathematics as focus shifts from the basics to the more complex. They develop a negative attitude towards the subject and may end up with limited career paths.