How to improve mental maths
5 min read ยท updated 2026-09-01
Mental maths is the engine under every other maths skill: fractions, algebra and word problems all assume quick number facts. It is also the most game-able skill, improving fastest with short daily play rather than long drills.
The foundations, in order
- โ Number bonds to 10 and 20 (instant recall)
- โ Times tables to 12 ร 12, both directions (3 ร 7 and 'what times 7 gives 21?')
- โ Doubles, halves and near-doubles (6 + 7 via 6 + 6 + 1)
- โ Partitioning: 47 + 38 as 40 + 30 and 7 + 8
The 6-second rule
The Year 4 multiplication tables check allows 6 seconds per question, and every later exam rewards that speed. Practise against a countdown, not just correctness: an app, a stopwatch, or a parent calling questions. Automaticity is the goal; counting in sixes is not the same as knowing 6 ร 8.
Daily habits that hide the practice
- โ Change-giving at the shop (child calculates the change)
- โ Scores and times in sports games (differences and totals)
- โ Cooking: scale a recipe up or down (ratio and fractions)
- โ Car journeys: number-plate digit games, ETA calculations
FAQs
How long until times tables are automatic?๏ผ
With five minutes of daily practice, most children reach instant recall on all tables within a term. Mixing tables (rather than one at a time) is what builds true fluency.
Is using fingers bad?๏ผ
It is a stage, not a problem. Fluency grows with use; the fingers fade as recall strengthens. Pushing speed before accuracy backfires.
Keep reading
More on Primary & Key Stages
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