4 Times Table Games for Kids
The 4 times table has a genuinely useful strategy built in: doubling twice. Because 4 × n is the same as 2 × n doubled, children who are secure with the 2 times table have a ready tool for the 4s. Playing 4 times table games helps reinforce this connection until the facts become automatic rather than calculated.
SpeedSum is a free maths practice platform designed for children aged 5–11. Its game modes build multiplication recall through short, rewarding daily sessions.
What Is the 4 Times Table?
The 4 times table produces even multiples: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20... All answers are even, and they are always double the corresponding 2× fact. For example, 4 × 7 = 28, which is twice 2 × 7 = 14. This double-double relationship is a practical strategy for deriving unknown facts. The 4 times table is introduced in Year 3 alongside the 3 and 8 times tables.
| Equation | Answer |
|---|---|
| 4 × 2 | 8 |
| 4 × 3 | 12 |
| 4 × 5 | 20 |
| 4 × 6 | 24 |
| 4 × 7 | 28 |
| 4 × 8 | 32 |
| 4 × 9 | 36 |
| 4 × 12 | 48 |
A selection of 4 times table facts children practise on SpeedSum.
Why Children Find the 4 Times Table Difficult
Despite the double-double strategy, children still need genuine recall practice once they move beyond the simpler 4× facts.
- Higher facts require memorisation — the strategy becomes cumbersome for 4 × 8 and 4 × 9, which most children eventually just need to learn
- Confusion with the 8 times table — since 8× is double 4×, answers like 24, 32, and 48 appear in both tables
- Over-reliance on the strategy — children who always derive facts by doubling twice are too slow for the MTC's 6-second window
Tips for Learning the 4 Times Table
- 1Introduce the double-double method: to find 4 × 6, double 6 to get 12, then double again to get 24
- 2Practise out of order — not just reciting 4, 8, 12, 16 — to build isolated recall
- 3Give extra attention to 4 × 7, 4 × 8, and 4 × 9, where errors are most common
- 4Point out that all 4× answers are even as a quick self-check
- 5Use SpeedSum's 90 Second Challenge focused on the 4 times table to gradually shift from strategy to automatic recall
Common Mistakes with the 4 Times Table
4 × 6 and 4 × 8 confusion
4 × 6 = 24 and 4 × 8 = 32 are both in the common error range. Focused practice on the 4 × 6, 4 × 7, 4 × 8 cluster helps separate them.
Confusing 4× with 8× answers
Because 8× is double 4×, answers like 32 and 48 appear in both tables. Separate practice before mixing the tables together helps.
Too slow using the strategy
Children who always derive 4× facts by doubling twice are too slow for timed tests. Regular rapid-recall practice helps shift from strategy to automatic memory.
How SpeedSum Helps with 4 Times Table Practice
SpeedSum is a free maths practice platform built by parents. Its four game modes target different aspects of multiplication fluency — from timed speed challenges to inverse-operation practice — so children can practise the 4 times table in several formats.
90 Second Challenge
Answer as many 4 times table questions as possible in 90 seconds. The time pressure drives rapid retrieval and helps build automatic recall.
Get to 100 Challenge
Answer 100 questions correctly at your own pace — ideal for building accuracy and confidence with the 4 times table without time pressure.
Missing Piece Challenge
Questions appear with a missing factor, for example: 4 × ? = 28. This develops inverse-operation thinking tested in the Year 4 MTC.
Traffic Light Challenge
Answer 4 times table questions before the timer runs out. The traffic light format builds fast-recall habits under rising time pressure.
Start Practising the 4 Times Table Today
SpeedSum is free to use. Create an account, add your child, and they can begin their first 4 times table session in under two minutes — on any device, with no download needed.
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