The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a short online check taken by Year 4 pupils in England each June. It checks whether children can recall their times tables up to 12 × 12 fluently. Hit the Button’s mixed times tables game is a fun way to practise for it.
What is in the MTC?
- 25 questions covering the 2 to 12 times tables.
- 6 seconds to answer each question.
- Questions are multiplication only (no division) and come in a random order.
- It is taken on a computer or tablet, typing the answer.
- There is no pass mark – schools receive the results.
Which tables come up most?
The check focuses more on the tables children usually find hardest – the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables – so these deserve extra practice.
How to prepare with Hit the Button
- Start with one table at a time on Easy until your child is accurate.
- Move to mixed times tables – the MTC asks questions in any order.
- Switch to Medium and Hard to build speed. If your child can answer comfortably within the 60-second round, 6 seconds per question will feel easy.
- Practise little and often in the months before June.
- Use division facts too – knowing the inverse strengthens recall.
Tips for the tricky tables
- 9×: the digits of each answer add up to 9 (up to 9 × 10), and the tens digit is one less than the number you multiply by.
- 8×: double, double, double.
- 6×: work out 5× and add one more lot.
- 7×: learn the few that are left once you know the others – 7 × 7 = 49, 7 × 8 = 56.
- 12×: multiply by 10, then add double the number.
Ready? Start practising now. More ideas for parents and teachers.