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What is the multiplication tables check?

The multiplication tables check (MTC) is a short times tables check that Year 4 children in England take on a computer or tablet at school. This guide explains how it works and how to prepare for it.

Who takes the check

Year 4 pupils at state-funded schools in England take the check, including academies and free schools. It has been compulsory since June 2022. A headteacher can decide that a pupil should not take it, for example if they are not yet able to answer questions like these.

When it happens

Schools run the check during a 2-week window in June and choose the day themselves. The dates for each year are published on the multiplication tables check page on GOV.UK.

What happens in the check

  • it takes less than 5 minutes
  • there are 3 practice questions first
  • then there are 25 questions from the 2 to 12 times tables, like 7 × 8
  • each question is on screen for 6 seconds, with a 3 second pause before the next one
  • children type the answer on a keyboard or an on-screen number pad
  • they do not find out during the check whether their answers are right

Every child gets a different set of questions. There are more questions from the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables, which children usually find harder, and fewer from the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. The same fact never comes up twice, so if 3 × 8 is asked, 8 × 3 is not.

Scores and results

Each correct answer scores 1 mark, so the score is out of 25. There is no pass mark. The check helps schools see which children need more help with their times tables.

Schools get their pupils' results. Results for individual schools are not published. In recent years the national average score has been around 20 out of 25. If you would like to know your child's score, ask their school.

Children with particular needs

Schools can change how the check works for children who need it, for example with an audible time alert, different colours or a larger font, someone to read the questions aloud, or an adult to type the answers. Talk to your child's teacher or the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCo).

How to prepare

Short, regular practice helps most. The practice check on this site works like the real one, with 25 questions, 6 seconds each and a 3 second pause. You can also:

Start a practice check

Official information

This site is independent and not part of the Department for Education (DfE) or the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), which runs the check. The official rules are in the multiplication tables check assessment framework.