The 2 times table is the first real table they learn (after the trivial 1s). And it's the easiest — because it's even numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... They can often chant them from age 5-6 through skip-counting.
This article shows how to train the 2s table quickly and efficiently — without grinding for months. At Kluriko the 2s table is in the Learning Games — but at home with song and play it sets.
The 2s table
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
Ten facts. Easier than other tables.
Patterns to spot
All even numbers. This is the core of the 2s table. When they see even numbers, they see the 2s.
Hops of 2 in the 100-grid. Put the 2s on the 100-grid and colour them in. They see a clear pattern.
End digits. 2, 4, 6, 8, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 0... The endings repeat.
Doubled. 2×3 = 3+3 = double. 2×5 = 5+5 = double.
Exercises and tricks
1. Skip-counting
They sing: "2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20". Like a song. They learn the chant first, then link it to multiplication.
2. Jump in pairs
They jump physically: two steps, say "2!". Two more, "4!". Ten times. They learn through the body.
3. Counting pairs
Pair things. Socks, shoes, eyes, hands. Everything comes in 2-pairs. "We have 5 pairs of socks. How many socks total?" 10.
4. 2x cards
Flash cards with 2×1, 2×2, 2×3 etc. Quick rounds. 5 minutes a day.
5. Songs
There are many multiplication songs on YouTube. Search "2 times table song". Some are great, some odd. Find one that works.
6. Games
Kluriko Learning Games have the 2s table as an early mini-game. They train with reward.
7. Doubles game
"What's double 3?" "6." "Double 7?" "14." They learn the doubles at the same time as the 2s.
8. Money
"I give you 2 kronor every day. How many after 5 days?" 10. "After 7 days?" 14.
Concrete use of the 2s.
How long does it take?
For a typically developing 7-year-old: 1-2 weeks with daily 5-min practice.
For a more mature 8-year-old: 3-7 days.
For a 9-year-old who's missed it earlier: 2-3 weeks.
Not months. Not needed. The 2s table is easy with consistent practice.
Common problems
They chant but can't use. "2, 4, 6, 8..." quickly. But "what's 2×6?" Not sure. Solve: table questions (2×6, 2×3 etc.), not just chanting.
They mix 2s with 3s. Tables should be learned one at a time. Not in parallel.
They tire. 5 minutes a day is max. More = reluctance.
When the 2s table sits
They say 2×1, 2×2, 2×3... 2×10 in order in 10 seconds.
They say "2 times 7" and answer "14" within 2 seconds.
They can double (2×) any number under 20.
Then they're done with the 2s. Move to 5s or 10s — next easiest.
Table order
Teaching pedagogues recommend:
- 1s (trivial)
- 10s (easy — add a 0)
- 2s (evens)
- 5s (end in 5/0)
- 4s (double 2s)
- 3s (harder)
- 6s (double 3s)
- 8s (double 4s)
- 7s (challenging)
- 9s (has the lovely pattern)
Not alphabetical. Not numerical. Based on ease and patterns.
Table test
When they think they know the 2s, give a quick test:
- 2×7 = ?
- 2×3 = ?
- 2×9 = ?
- 2×4 = ?
- 2×8 = ?
- 2×1 = ?
- 2×6 = ?
- 2×10 = ?
- 2×2 = ?
- 2×5 = ?
10 questions, mixed order. They should manage all in 30-45 seconds. Then it sits.
Why memorise tables at all?
Some modern educators question whether they should memorise tables. Isn't a calculator enough?
No. Memorised tables are like multiplication's basic vocabulary. Without them, everything is slow.
Research shows children who don't know tables automatically:
- Struggle with longer multiplication
- Struggle with division
- Struggle with fractions
- Struggle with algebra
Tables are a cost-effective investment. 30 minutes daily for 6 months = lifelong skill.
Tables beyond 10×10
At 9-10: extend to 11×11 and 12×12. Not necessary but useful.
The 11s table has a beautiful pattern: 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99... then 110.
The 12s links to clock fractions: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60.
How Kluriko helps
Kluriko Learning Games have a structured path through the tables, with daily practice and progression. The 2s is often their first — building up to the 9s with patterns.