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Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

The Year 4 times tables check

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a national check for primary school pupils in England. It is taken by pupils in Year 4 and checks how well they know their times tables: how quickly and accurately they can recall their times tables from 2 to 12.

What is the MTC for?

The MTC checks whether pupils have learned their times tables. Being able to recall multiplication facts quickly is a core skill that helps children understand and solve the more complex maths they will meet later.

What the check is like

  1. Timing:
    The check is taken on screen, and pupils have 6 seconds to answer each question. The whole check takes less than 5 minutes.
  2. Number of questions:
    There are 25 times tables questions (from 2 to 12).
  3. Difficulty:
    Questions come in a random order and at different levels of difficulty, so pupils can show how quickly and accurately they know their tables.
  4. Quick answers:
    The check rewards quick thinking and quick answers, which shows how secure a child's maths facts are.

What's in the check?

The questions test how quickly and accurately pupils can multiply. Typical questions look like this:

  • 7 × 6 = ?
  • 4 × 9 = ?
  • 12 × 8 = ?
  • 3 × 11 = ?

The check shows whether pupils have memorised their times tables and can give correct answers.

Why the MTC matters

  • Core maths skills: knowing the times tables is the foundation for more complex maths (division, fractions and so on).
  • Working against the clock: the check helps children practise answering correctly within a time limit.
  • Setting targets: the MTC gives pupils and teachers an indicator of progress, showing how well a child knows their tables.
  • Spotting support needs: if a child finds the check hard, teachers can identify gaps and give extra support.

Tips for preparing

  1. Practise regularly: little-and-often practice helps children answer quickly and accurately.
  2. Make it fun: games and activities help children learn their tables in an enjoyable way.
  3. Practise with a timer: with only 6 seconds per question, children benefit from practising at speed. This helps them balance speed and accuracy.
  4. Online resources: online platforms for times tables practice (for example IXL, Times Tables Rock Stars or Mathletics) or apps can help children build speed.

Results

MTC results give teachers useful information about each child's times tables knowledge. Results are shared with schools, and parents can ask the school for their child's score. They help teachers and parents understand a child's future maths needs.

The check helps children build a strong foundation for more advanced maths.