Timed Multiplication Tests: Math Practice for Students

How to Write a Multiplication Test

Before you begin to formulate a multiplication test for your child, be sure to ask him or her - or consult with your child's teacher - about what the class is currently learning. Typically, teachers begin with times tables for zero and one and advance from there. When making your test, you'll want to avoid including multiplication facts that your child doesn't know yet because it can be frustrating for him or her.

You also may want to confirm the time limit with your child's teacher. Typically with timed multiplication tests, students are given three minutes to complete anywhere from 40-60 questions or five minutes to complete 100 questions. Alternatively, you might ask your child to complete his or her at-home practice test as quickly as possible while you time him or her. Your child can then retake the test and try to beat his or her previous time; this way, your child is competing against him- or herself rather than a clock.

In addition to using practice tests, you can help your child increase the speed at which he or she recalls multiplication facts by using flashcards. This practice also can boost your child's confidence.

Sample Multiplication Problems

Just Beginning

• 2 x 3
• 1 x 5
• 2 x 2
• 8 x 1
• 6 x 2
• 0 x 9

If your child's class is just beginning its study of multiplication, the teacher likely has introduced the times tables for zero, one and two. Thus, for early tests, you should only include multiplication facts using zero, one and two. Additionally, problems typically are written vertically, so you may want to mimic this style in your own test.

Getting the Hang of It

• 4 x 7
• 7 x 7
• 6 x 4
• 5 x 8
• 4 x 3
• 3 x 7

These sample intermediate problems include the times tables for 3-8. As your child advances, you may consider including less questions that include zero, one and two and instead concentrate on more challenging problems. Though you don't want your child to forget his or her early multiplication facts, you also don't want the test to be too easy.

Multiplication Masters

• 7 x 9
• 12 x 8
• 11 x 3
• 10 x 9
• 4 x 11
• 9 x 5

Your child likely will learn the times tables up to 12, though some teachers stop at ten or 11. The nine and 12 times tables tend to be the most difficult to memorize, but with practice, your child is sure to improve.