Master the 4 Times Table
Learn multiplication table of 4 with our proven 5-step plan, interactive games, and comprehensive practice tools
What is the 4 Times Table?
The 4 times table shows the results when any number is multiplied by 4. It represents doubling twice or counting in groups of 4. The brilliant strategy for learning the 4 times table is understanding it as the double of the 2 times table. If you know 2 × 7 = 14, then 4 × 7 is simply double that: 28. This "double-double" strategy makes the 4 times table one of the easiest to master once students understand the 2s.
The products in the 4 times table follow a predictable pattern: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, and so on. A remarkable property is that all multiples of 4 are even numbers, and the ones place follows a repeating cycle: 4, 8, 2, 6, 0. This pattern repeats throughout the entire table, making it easy to verify answers. Additionally, every fifth multiple ends in the same digit (4, 24, 44...), creating another helpful verification pattern.
Understanding the 4 times table is crucial because it forms the foundation for the 8 times table (which is double the 4s) and connects to many real-world applications. The 4 times table can also be viewed as repeated addition of 4 or counting by fours. The relationship between 2, 4, and 8 times tables through doubling creates a powerful network of mathematical understanding. Students typically learn this table after mastering 1s, 2s, and sometimes 3s, making it accessible through multiple strategies including skip counting, the doubling method, and pattern recognition.
The 5-Step Learning Plan
Our proven 5-step plan uses progressive, research-backed methods to help students master the 4 times table through interactive learning. Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring both understanding and automatic recall. This systematic approach is used in schools worldwide and recommended by mathematics educators for effective times table mastery.
1️⃣
View & Repeat
2️⃣
Drag & Drop
3️⃣
Shuffled Practice
4️⃣
Multiple Choice
5️⃣
Earn Diploma
📖 Step 1a: View, Read Aloud and Repeat
Familiarize yourself with the 4 times table by viewing and reading each multiplication fact aloud. Click on each fact to hear it repeated. Notice that every answer is double the 2 times table!
✏️ Step 1b: Fill In Sequence
Test your knowledge! Fill in all the answers in sequence. Once complete, click 'Check' to see your results. Get them all right to move forward!
🎯 Step 2: Drag the Right Answer
Match each multiplication fact with its correct answer by dragging. This interactive game reinforces your double-double skills!
Questions
Answers (Drag These)
🔀 Step 3: Shuffled Practice
Practice the 4 times table in random order! This builds true automaticity. Fill in all answers and press 'Check' to see your score.
✅ Step 4: Multiple Choice Quiz
Answer all 15 questions correctly! Each question tests your 4 times table knowledge from different angles.
🏆 Step 5: Tables Diploma Challenge
Prove your mastery! Answer all 24 questions correctly to earn your official 4 Times Table Diploma. This is the ultimate test!
Progress: 0/24 Correct | Time: 0:00
🎮 Memory Times Table Game
Match the multiplication facts with their answers in this fun memory card game! Find all pairs to win.
Moves: 0 | Pairs Found: 0/12
📊 4 Times Table Chart
Here's a complete reference chart showing the 4 times table from 4 × 1 to 4 × 20. Notice how all answers are even and the ones place pattern!
The Double-Double Pattern
The 4 times table demonstrates the powerful double-double strategy: every product is exactly double the corresponding 2 times table fact. For example, 2 × 6 = 12, so 4 × 6 = 24 (double of 12). All products are even numbers, and the ones place follows the repeating pattern: 4, 8, 2, 6, 0. This makes the 4 times table predictable and easy to verify. Additionally, since 4 = 2 × 2, you can think of it as doubling twice: to find 4 × 5, double 5 to get 10, then double 10 to get 20. This strategy builds on prior knowledge effectively.
📚 Educational Facts About the 4 Times Table
🔢 All Even Numbers
Every product in the 4 times table is even because 4 itself is even. The ones place follows the pattern: 4, 8, 2, 6, 0 (repeating). If your answer is odd, you know it's incorrect!
✖️ Double-Double Strategy
The 4 times table is double the 2 times table. If you know 2 × 7 = 14, then 4 × 7 = 28 (double 14). Or double twice: double 7 to get 14, then double 14 to get 28. This builds on existing knowledge!
📈 Fifth Multiple Pattern
Every fifth multiple ends in the same digit: 4, 24, 44, 64, 84 all end in 4. Similarly, 8, 28, 48, 68, 88 all end in 8. This pattern helps verify answers and provides another memory tool.
🔄 Repeated Addition
The 4 times table represents repeated addition of 4: 4 × 6 means 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24. Understanding this connection helps students grasp what multiplication really means beyond memorization.
⚡ Foundation for 8s
The 4 times table is the foundation for the 8 times table. Since 8 = 4 × 2, mastering 4s makes 8s easy: just double the 4 times table answers. This creates a powerful network: 2→4→8 through doubling!
🌍 Real-World Groups of Four
Understanding "4 times" helps with everyday situations: squares have 4 sides, cars have 4 wheels, tables often have 4 legs. If you have 6 cars, that's 6 × 4 = 24 wheels. Real connections make math meaningful!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the 4 times table important to learn?
A: The 4 times table is essential because it teaches the powerful doubling strategy and connects 2, 4, and 8 times tables through mathematical relationships. It demonstrates that multiplication facts are interconnected—if you know the 2s, you can quickly learn the 4s by doubling. This table also introduces students to more complex even number patterns and prepares them for understanding quadrupling and other multiplication concepts. The 4 times table is frequently used in real-world contexts like counting wheels, calculating groups of four, and understanding square measurements.
Q: How long does it take to master the 4 times table?
A: Most students can learn the 4 times table in 1-2 weeks with consistent daily practice, especially if they already know the 2 times table. Because the double-double strategy is so effective, students who understand the 2s often master the 4s quickly. Building automaticity—instant recall without thinking—typically requires 2-3 weeks of daily 5-15 minute practice sessions. Students who practice the doubling relationship and pattern recognition usually progress faster than those relying solely on memorization.
Q: What is the double-double strategy for the 4 times table?
A: The double-double strategy means doubling a number twice to find the 4 times table answer. For example, to find 4 × 7: double 7 to get 14 (that's 2 × 7), then double 14 to get 28. Alternatively, since 4 × 7 is double the 2 times table, if you know 2 × 7 = 14, just double it to get 28. This strategy is powerful because it builds on prior knowledge of the 2 times table, making new learning easier. It also helps students understand mathematical relationships between tables rather than viewing them as isolated facts.
Q: What patterns exist in the 4 times table?
A: The 4 times table has several helpful patterns: (1) All answers are even numbers, (2) The ones place follows the repeating cycle 4, 8, 2, 6, 0, (3) Every fifth multiple ends in the same digit (4, 24, 44, 64...), (4) Each answer is double the corresponding 2 times table fact, (5) Products increase by 4 each time (4, 8, 12, 16, 20...). Recognizing these patterns helps students verify answers, makes memorization easier, and builds number sense. The patterns also provide multiple ways to check work and self-correct.
Q: How can I practice the 4 times table at home?
A: Use our comprehensive 5-step plan starting with viewing and repeating, then progressing through sequenced practice, drag-and-drop games, shuffled practice, multiple choice, and the diploma challenge. Supplement with flashcards emphasizing the double-double strategy, skip counting by 4s during activities, pointing out groups of four in daily life (wheels on cars, legs on tables, sides of squares), and comparing 2s and 4s tables side-by-side. Practice for 5-15 minutes daily rather than long occasional sessions. Make it fun with songs, competitive challenges, and real-world applications.
Q: When should children learn the 4 times table?
A: Children typically learn the 4 times table in 2nd or 3rd grade (ages 7-9), after mastering the 1s and 2s tables. Some educational approaches recommend learning 2s, 5s, and 10s before 4s, while others prefer the natural progression 2→4→8 based on the doubling relationship. The key is ensuring children understand the 2 times table first, since the double-double strategy makes learning 4s much easier. When children can confidently double numbers and understand the connection between 2× and 4×, they're ready for the 4 times table.
💡 Tips for Success
✓ Master 2s First
Ensure solid knowledge of the 2 times table before starting 4s. The double-double strategy only works if students can quickly recall and double 2× facts.
✓ Use Double-Double
Teach explicitly: to find 4 × 6, double 6 (=12), then double again (=24). Or use 2 × 6 = 12, then double to get 24. This strategy makes 4s easy!
✓ Recognize Even Pattern
All answers are even with ones place: 4, 8, 2, 6, 0 (repeating). This provides an instant check—if the answer is odd, it's wrong!
✓ Skip Count by 4s
Practice skip counting: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40... Use it during transitions, car rides, or as warm-up activities to build fluency.
✓ Compare 2s and 4s
Write 2× and 4× tables side-by-side. Show how 4× is always double 2×. This visual comparison reinforces the relationship and builds understanding.
✓ Connect to 8s Later
Once 4s are mastered, show how 8 is double 4. Build the doubling chain: 2→4→8. This makes learning multiple tables efficient and shows mathematical connections.
About the Author
Adam
Co-Founder at RevisionTown
Math Expert specializing in various international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, and standardized test preparation. Dedicated to creating engaging, interactive learning tools that help students master mathematics through proven educational methods. Passionate about making times tables fun and accessible for learners of all ages through innovative teaching strategies, doubling techniques, and comprehensive practice resources.
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