15 Math Tricks to Make Learning Easy for Kids

Math tricks are an easy and fun way to solve problems quickly and make learning more enjoyable for kids. Instead of using long methods from textbooks, these tricks offer smart shortcuts that save time and effort.

In this blog, we will learn 15 simple maths tricks that children can use in everyday calculations, school exams, and practice sessions to make maths easier and more interesting.

What Are Maths Calculation Tricks?

Math calculation tricks are clever ways to solve problems more quickly than the usual methods. Instead of going through every step of a long equation, these tricks help you spot patterns or use number sense to get the answer faster. They are especially useful when you’re doing mental maths or trying to save time in an exam.

For example, rather than multiplying a number like ninety-nine by forty-seven the long way, you could multiply forty-seven by one hundred and then subtract forty-seven.

That gives you the same answer, but in a much quicker and easier way. Or if you’re trying to square a number like seventy-five, there’s a mental trick that lets you find the answer almost instantly, without having to write anything down.

These techniques might seem like magic at first, but they’re actually based on maths rules. The difference is that they use those rules in creative and practical ways. Once you learn them, maths doesn’t just get easier, it gets more fun too.

Also Check: What is Zero – Definition and Facts

List of 15 Easy Maths Tricks for Kids

Here are 15 fun and easy maths tricks every kid should know to make solving maths problems faster: 

Trick 1: Multiply Any 2-Digit Number by 11

When multiplying a 2-digit number by 11, you don’t have to use traditional multiplication. Just add the two digits together and place the result between them.

Example: Multiply 23 × 11

Step 1: Take the two digits: 2 and 3
Step 2: Add them: 2 + 3 = 5
Step 3: Place the result in between → 2, 5, 3 → Answer is 253

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If the sum is more than 9, carry the extra. 

Example: 59 × 11
5 + 9 = 14 → Put 4 in the middle and carry over 1 to 5
5 + 1 = 6 → Final answer = 649

This is one of the most exciting maths tricks for kids, turning big multiplication into a simple 3-step pattern.

Trick 2: Square Numbers Ending in 5

When a number ends in 5, you can square it by multiplying the digit(s) before 5 by the next number and then just adding 25 to the end.

Example: Square 45

Step 1: The digit before 5 is 4
Step 2: Multiply it by the next number: 4 × 5 = 20
Step 3: Add 25 to the end → 2025

So, 45² = 2025

This is one of the most consistent maths calculation tricks and works for any number ending in 5, like 25, 75, or 105.

Also Read: Table of 5

Trick 3: Add Numbers Using Rounding and Adjustment

When adding two numbers, round one up to the nearest 10 to make the addition easier, then subtract what you added.

Example: 48 + 77

Step 1: Round 48 up to 50
Step 2: Round 77 up to 80
Step 3: Add 50 + 80 = 130
Step 4: You added 2 to 48 and 3 to 77 → 2 + 3 = 5
Step 5: Subtract 130 − 5 = 125

Final answer: 125

This method saves time and shows how easy maths tricks help you calculate smarter, not harder.

Trick 4: Multiply by 5 Using Halving and Times Ten

Instead of multiplying directly by 5, divide the number by 2 and then multiply by 10. This is faster and easier mentally.

Example: Multiply 76 × 5

Step 1: Divide 76 by 2 = 38
Step 2: Multiply 38 by 10 = 380

Final answer: 380

Read more: Table of 10

Trick 5: Subtract from 1000 Using Complements

To subtract a number from 1000, subtract each digit from 9, except the last digit, and subtract that from 10.

Example: 1000 − 648

Step 1: Subtract 6 from 9 = 3

Step 2: Subtract 4 from 9 = 5
Step 3: Subtract 8 from 10 = 2
Step 4: Combine the results → 352

So, 1000 − 648 = 352

This method avoids borrowing and helps you subtract faster. 

Also Read: Subtraction Table

Trick 6: Multiply Numbers Close to 100

If both numbers are near 100, subtract each from 100, subtract one difference from the other number, then multiply the differences.

Example: Multiply 96 × 97

Step 1: 100 − 96 = 4
Step 2: 100 − 97 = 3
Step 3: Subtract 3 from 96 → 93
Step 4: Multiply the differences: 4 × 3 = 12
Step 5: Combine: 9312

Final answer: 9312

This is one of the most amazing maths magic tricks for turning big multiplication into a short mental task.

Trick 7: Divide by 5 Using Doubling and Decimal Shift

To divide any number by 5, just multiply it by 2 and move the decimal one place to the left.

Example: 345 ÷ 5

Step 1: Multiply 345 × 2 = 690
Step 2: Move the decimal one place left = 69.0

Final answer: 69

Read more: Division of Fractions

Trick 8: Check if a Number is Divisible by 3

If the sum of all digits in a number is divisible by 3, the number is divisible by 3.

Example: Check if 273 is divisible by 3

Step 1: Add digits → 2 + 7 + 3 = 12
Step 2: 12 ÷ 3 = 4 → Yes, it’s divisible

This trick saves time and helps you avoid long division. 

Trick 9: Find 10% and 5% of Any Number

To find 10%, move the decimal one place left. For 5%, just take half of 10%.

Example: Find 10% and 5% of 320

Step 1: 10% of 320 = 32.0
Step 2: 5% = Half of 32 = 16.0

This is an easy maths trick for calculating discounts or marks in tests.

Also Read: Percentage

Trick 10: Multiply Two Teen Numbers Easily

To multiply numbers like 13 × 14, add one number to the other's unit digit, multiply by 10, and then add the unit digits multiplied.

Example: 13 × 14

Step 1: Add 13 + 4 = 17
Step 2: 17 × 10 = 170
Step 3: Multiply units: 3 × 4 = 12
Step 4: Add 170 + 12 = 182

Final answer: 182

Trick 11: Multiply by 99 Using Subtraction

To multiply a number by 99, multiply it by 100 first, then subtract the original number from that result.

Example: Multiply 67 × 99

Step 1: Multiply 67 × 100 = 6700
Step 2: Subtract the original number → 6700 − 67 = 6633 

Final Answer: 67 × 99 = 6633

This trick helps avoid long multiplication and shows how maths tricks for kids can make big numbers easy to handle.

Trick 12: Find the Square of Numbers Close to 50

 If a number is near 50, use the formula:
(50 + x)² = 2500 + 100x + x²
or
(50 − x)² = 2500 − 100x + x²

Example: 52²

Step 1: x = 2 → 2500 + 100 × 2 + 2² = 2500 + 200 + 4
Step 2: Add → 2500 + 200 + 4 = 2704
Final Answer: 52² = 2704

This maths magic trick is great for squaring numbers near 50 in seconds!

Read more: Square 1 to 30

Trick 13: Multiply by 25 with Division and Multiplication

To multiply a number by 25, divide the number by 4 and then multiply by 100.

Example: Multiply 80 × 25

Step 1: Divide 80 by 4 = 20
Step 2: Multiply 20 × 100 = 2000
Final Answer: 80 × 25 = 2000

This maths calculation trick is useful in money-related questions like finding 25% of a value quickly.

Trick 14: Subtract Using Round Numbers

If you're subtracting a number like 399, round it up to 400, then subtract and adjust.

Example: Subtract 399 from 825 → 825 − 399

Step 1: Round 399 to 400
Step 2: 825 − 400 = 425
Step 3: Add 1 back (since we subtracted 1 extra) → 425 + 1 = 426
Final Answer: 825 − 399 = 426

This is one of the maths tips and tricks that saves mental energy and speeds up subtraction.

Trick 15: 9 Times Table Finger Trick

Use your fingers to quickly find any 9 multiplication up to 9 × 10.

Example: 9 × 7
Step 1: Hold out both hands with fingers spread
Step 2: Fold down the 7th finger from the left
Step 3: Count fingers before the folded one = 6
Step 4: Count fingers after = 3
Step 5: Join the two → Answer = 63

So, 9 × 7 = 63.

Also Read: 9 Times Table

If you want your child to enjoy learning maths through simple and exciting tricks, Curious Junior online classes are a great way to start. We make maths fun and interactive with easy methods that help kids solve problems quickly. Our lessons are designed to keep children curious, active, and engaged. Enroll in Curious Jr Maths Classes for Kids and turn everyday maths into something your child will love.