Times Tables Test — Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) Guide

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a short, statutory times tables test taken by all Year 4 pupils in England. If your child is in Year 4 — or approaching it — this guide explains exactly what the check involves and how to help them prepare.

What Is the Multiplication Tables Check?

The MTC is an on-screen assessment introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) to check that children can fluently recall their multiplication tables up to 12 × 12. It is taken in June of Year 4 (age 8–9) and administered by the school on a computer or tablet.

It is not a traditional written test. Children see each question on screen, type their answer, and move on — with a strict 6-second time limit per question.

Key Facts

What Questions Appear in the MTC?

The check draws from all multiplication facts between 2 × 2 and 12 × 12. However, the questions are not evenly distributed. The DfE weights the check towards the tables that research shows children find harder:

• 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 times tables — these make up the majority of questions
• 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11 times tables — fewer questions from these, as they tend to be learned earlier

Each question is presented as a multiplication (e.g. “6 × 9 = “) and the child types the answer. Questions are shown in a random order — your child will not know which times table is coming next.

Important: It Is Multiplication Only

The MTC only tests multiplication, not division. Children will never see a question like “48 ÷ 6 = “. However, understanding the relationship between multiplication and division helps build deeper number fluency.

How Is the MTC Scored?

Each correct answer scores 1 mark, giving a maximum score of 25 out of 25. There is no official pass mark — the DfE does not set a threshold. Schools receive results, and parents are informed of their child’s score.

The purpose of the check is to identify children who may need additional support, not to rank or label pupils. A lower score simply signals that more practice would be helpful.

How to Prepare for the Times Tables Test

The best preparation is consistent, low-pressure practice over weeks and months — not last-minute cramming. Here is a practical approach:

1. Build a Solid Foundation First

Make sure your child is confident with the easier tables before tackling the harder ones:

• Start with 2s, 5s, 10s — these have clear patterns and build confidence
• Then add 3s, 4s, 11s — extend using doubling and simple patterns
• Finally focus on 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 12s — these are the tables most heavily tested in the MTC

2. Practise Little and Often

Short daily sessions (5–10 minutes) are far more effective than occasional long ones. Multiplication fluency comes from regular repetition — spacing practice over time is what makes facts stick in long-term memory.

3. Get Used to the Format

The 6-second time limit is a real factor. Children who know their tables but are not used to the timed format can feel rushed and make mistakes. Practising under timed conditions helps build comfort with the pace.

Times Tables Check offers free MTC-format practice — 25 questions, 6 seconds each, on screen — so your child can experience the real format as many times as they need. There is no limit on attempts.

4. Focus on the Tricky Facts

Most children find a handful of specific facts hard to remember. The usual suspects include:

• 6 × 7 = 42
• 6 × 8 = 48
• 7 × 8 = 56
• 8 × 9 = 72
• 7 × 9 = 63
• 12 × 7 = 84
• 12 × 8 = 96

Identify which facts your child hesitates on and spend extra time on those. A quick verbal quiz at breakfast or a round of times tables games focused on tricky facts makes a real difference.

5. Use a Multiplication Chart

A multiplication chart gives your child a visual reference. Let them use it during practice — look up facts they get wrong, spot patterns, and gradually build towards recall without it.

6. Keep It Positive

The MTC is low-stakes — there is no pass or fail, and the result does not affect secondary school placement. Frame practice as building a useful skill, not preparing for a scary test. Confidence matters as much as knowledge.

What Happens on the Day

On the day of the check, children complete the MTC at school during normal lesson time. Here is what they can expect:

1. Introduction screen — the check begins with a short practice of 3 example questions so children can get used to the format
2. 25 questions — each question appears on screen as a multiplication (e.g. “8 × 7 = “)
3. 6-second timer — if the child does not answer within 6 seconds, the check moves on automatically
4. 3-second pause — a brief gap between each question
5. Finished — the check ends after 25 questions; the child does not see their score immediately

The whole check takes under 5 minutes. Children use a keyboard or on-screen number pad to type their answers.

Tips for Parents

• Do not over-prepare. Regular short practice is better than intensive cramming sessions that create anxiety.
• Normalise the experience. Let your child do practice runs at home so the timed format feels familiar, not stressful.
• Celebrate effort, not just scores. Praise the fact that they are practising, not just the number they get right.
• Work on weak spots. Use practice sessions to identify specific facts that need more work, then target those with games and quick quizzes.
• Stay calm on the day. Children pick up on parental anxiety. Treat it as a normal school activity — because that is exactly what it is.

Practice with Times Tables Check

Times Tables Check is a free app built specifically for MTC preparation. It includes:

• Practice Mode — untimed, with visual number representations to support understanding
• Timed Mode — build speed and accuracy with a 6-second timer
• MTC Mode — a full 25-question simulation that matches the real check format
• Progress Tracking — see which tables are strong and which need more work

Use it alongside hands-on games and a multiplication chart for a well-rounded approach to times tables practice.

Related Guides

• Times Tables Games — fun in-person games to practise multiplication
• Multiplication Chart — a printable 1–12 reference grid
• Times Tables Worksheets — free printable practice sheets
• Times Tables 1 to 12 — every times table written out in full