Maths is easier than you think!
Discover clever shortcuts and tricks that make adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing feel like a superpower.
Clever shortcuts
Mental tricks that pros use so you can skip the long method and get the right answer fast.
Step-by-step examples
Every trick comes with a worked example so you can see exactly how it's done before you try.
Quiz & streaks
Test yourself with randomised questions and try to keep your streak going — how far can you get?
Pick a topic to get started
Choose a tab below, read the trick, then quiz yourself to lock it in.
Addition tricks
Round a number to the nearest 10, add, then fix the difference. Much easier than adding awkward numbers!
47 + 38 = ?
Round 38 → 40, then: 47 + 40 = 87
We added 2 too many, so: 87 − 2 = 85 ✓
Split numbers into tens and ones. Add the tens first, then the ones — way less confusing!
63 + 25 = ?
60 + 20 = 80, then 3 + 5 = 8
80 + 8 = 88 ✓
Steal from one number to make the other a round 10. Then the addition is effortless.
8 + 6 = ?
Take 2 from 6, give it to 8: now it's 10 + 4
10 + 4 = 14 ✓
Subtraction tricks
Instead of subtracting, count UP from the smaller number to the bigger one. Think of it like making change!
83 − 47 = ?
47 → 50 = +3
50 → 83 = +33
3 + 33 = 36 ✓
Round the number you're subtracting to a friendly 10, subtract, then adjust back.
75 − 29 = ?
Round 29 → 30: 75 − 30 = 45
Subtracted 1 too many, so: 45 + 1 = 46 ✓
Subtract the tens digit from 9, and the ones digit from 10. Works like magic every time!
100 − 63 = ?
Tens: 9 − 6 = 3 Ones: 10 − 3 = 7
Answer = 37 ✓
Multiplication tricks
Hold up both hands. Fold down the finger matching your number. Left fingers = tens, right fingers = ones.
9 × 7 = ?
Fold down your 7th finger
Left: 6 fingers Right: 3 fingers
Answer = 63 ✓
First digit, sum of both digits in the middle, last digit. Done in seconds!
35 × 11 = ?
First: 3 Middle: 3+5 = 8 Last: 5
Answer = 385 ✓
Multiply by 10 (add a zero!), then halve the result. Super fast!
48 × 5 = ?
48 × 10 = 480
480 ÷ 2 = 240 ✓
For ×2, ×4, ×8 — just keep doubling. One of the easiest multiplication tricks around!
23 × 4 = ?
23 × 2 = 46, then double again:
46 × 2 = 92 ✓
Division tricks
Know instantly if a number divides evenly — no calculator needed!
÷ 2 → last digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
÷ 3 → digits add up to a multiple of 3
÷ 5 → ends in 0 or 5
÷ 10 → ends in 0
Is 126 ÷ 3 exact? 1+2+6 = 9 → Yes! ✓
Halve the tens, halve the ones, then add. Works great for any even number!
84 ÷ 2 = ?
Half of 80 = 40, half of 4 = 2
40 + 2 = 42 ✓
Stuck on a division? Flip it! Ask "what times __ gives me this?" Your times tables work backwards too.
72 ÷ 8 = ?
Think: 8 × ? = 72
8 × 9 = 72, so answer = 9 ✓
Test your skills
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Study tips that actually work
Knowing the tricks is just the start — here's how to make them stick for good.
Little and often
5 minutes of daily practice beats one hour once a week. Try the quiz every morning before school!
Write it out
Write down each trick in your own words. Explaining something to yourself is the fastest way to understand it.
Focus on weak spots
Notice which tricks you get wrong in the quiz and spend extra time on just those ones first.