The 2 times table
The 2 times table is all about doubling, and it is the starting point for the 4 and 8 times tables too.
2 times table, 1 to 12
- 2 × 1= 2
- 2 × 2= 4
- 2 × 3= 6
- 2 × 4= 8
- 2 × 5= 10
- 2 × 6= 12
- 2 × 7= 14
- 2 × 8= 16
- 2 × 9= 18
- 2 × 10= 20
- 2 × 11= 22
- 2 × 12= 24
Tricks for the 2 times table
Think doubles
2 × 7 is just 7 + 7. If you know your doubles, you already know this table.
Every answer is even
The answers always end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. If your answer ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, check it again.
Count in twos
Skip count 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 … Try it out loud with a steady beat, one number on each beat.
Look for the pattern
The last digits repeat in a loop: 2, 4, 6, 8, 0, then 2, 4, 6, 8, 0 again.
An example
There are 8 pairs of trainers by the door. How many trainers are there?
8 × 2 = 16 trainers.
Once you can do these in your head, try the 2 times table game and see how big a beat you can build.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to learn the 2 times table?
Learn it as doubling. Double 6 is 12, so 2 × 6 = 12. Practise doubles until they feel automatic.
How is the 2 times table linked to other tables?
Doubling twice gives the 4 times table, and doubling three times gives the 8 times table.