The Eight Times Table

The 8 times table can be reached by doubling three times, a neat trick that links it straight back to the 2 and 4 times tables. Because eight is such a common number in packaging, computing and music, learning this table pays off in many everyday situations. It is also one of the tables children are proudest to master, since it sounds impressive.

While the 8 times table has a reputation for being tough, its clear doubling structure makes it far more approachable than it first appears. Once children realise that 8 x anything is just 4 x that number doubled, or 2 x that number doubled twice, the whole table clicks into place.

Patterns in the eight times table

Every answer is even, and the units digits cycle through 8, 6, 4, 2, 0.
Each answer is double the matching answer in the 4 times table.
The tens digit increases while the units digit decreases by two each step (8, 16, 24, 32, 40).
The answers rise in steps of 8 each time.

Handy tricks

Double three times — for 8 x 6, double 6 to 12, double to 24, double to 48.
Use the 4 times table and double the answer.
Split a fact: 8 x 9 = (8 x 10) - 8 = 80 - 8 = 72.
Notice the units digits count down in twos (8, 6, 4, 2, 0) to check your work.

Worked examples

8 x 3 = 24. Break it down: (8 x 2) + 8 = 16 + 8 = 24.
8 x 6 = 48. Break it down: (8 x 5) + 8 = 40 + 8 = 48.
8 x 8 = 64. Break it down: (8 x 7) + 8 = 56 + 8 = 64.
8 x 11 = 88. Break it down: (8 x 10) + 8 = 80 + 8 = 88.

Where you see it in real life

Counting the legs on spiders, which have eight each.
Working out slices in several pizzas cut into eight.
Counting items in packs of eight, such as crayons or yoghurts.
Understanding computer memory, which is often measured in eights (bits and bytes).

Common mistakes to avoid

Stopping after only two doubles instead of three.
Confusing 8 x 7 (56) with 8 x 8 (64).
Forgetting that every answer is even.

Practice questions

8 x 4 = ? (answer: 32)
8 x 7 = ? (answer: 56)
8 x 2 = ? (answer: 16)
8 x 9 = ? (answer: 72)
8 x 5 = ? (answer: 40)
8 x 12 = ? (answer: 96)
8 x 3 = ? (answer: 24)
8 x 8 = ? (answer: 64)
8 x 6 = ? (answer: 48)
8 x 11 = ? (answer: 88)

Frequently asked questions

What is the doubling trick for the 8 times table?

Double the number three times. For 8 x 5, double 5 to get 10, double to get 20, then double to get 40.

How is the 8 times table linked to the 4 times table?

Eight is double four, so every answer in the 8 times table is double the matching answer in the 4 times table.

Is there a pattern in the units digits?

Yes. The units digits count down in twos: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 — that is 8, 6, 4, 2, 0.