Officially, it is called the Multiplication Tables Check, or MTC.
Many parents are unsure what it is, whether their child can pass or fail, how much pressure they should feel, and what the result actually means.
This guide explains everything in simple language.
What is the Year 4 Times Tables Check?
The Year 4 Times Tables Check is officially called the Multiplication Tables Check. It is an onscreen check taken by Year 4 pupils in England. It checks whether children can recall multiplication facts quickly and accurately up to 12 × 12.
It is not a long written maths exam. It is a short digital check focused on times-table recall.
How does the Multiplication Tables Check work?
How the MTC Check Works
Step 1: Complete the Check Online
Children complete the check online at school.
Step 2: Practice Then Scored Questions
They answer 3 practice questions first, then 25 scored multiplication questions.
Step 3: Quick Answers
Each scored question gives the child 6 seconds to answer. The check usually takes no longer than 5 minutes.
Multiplication Tables Check at a glance:
- Year group: Year 4
- Format: Online check
- Practice questions: 3
- Scored questions: 25
- Time per question: 6 seconds
- Tables covered: Up to 12 × 12
- Result: Score out of 25
- Official pass mark: No official pass mark
Is there a pass mark for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check?
No official pass mark
There is no official pass mark. Children receive a score out of 25, but the government does not set a pass or fail mark.
Your child does not officially pass or fail the Multiplication Tables Check. The result is used to help the school understand how secure your child is with times-table recall.
At Oldham Tuition Centre, we use our own working benchmarks to help parents understand readiness. Our expectation is that students should be aiming for 20+ out of 25 to show good progress, while 23 - 25 out of 25 shows strong fluency and confidence.
This is not an official government pass mark. It is our practical benchmark to help parents understand their child’s current ability and what support they may still need.
Why does the Year 4 Times Tables Check exist?
The check exists because times tables are a key foundation for later maths.
When children know their multiplication facts well, they can often work more confidently with division, fractions, area, written multiplication and problem-solving.
Times tables are not the whole of maths, but they are one of the building blocks that make future maths easier.
What times tables should a Year 4 child know?
By the end of Year 4, children are expected to know multiplication tables up to and including 12 × 12.
Many children find 2, 5 and 10 easier. The trickier tables are often 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12.
Why does the 6-second time limit matter?
6 seconds per question
The check is not just about eventually working out the answer. It is about quick recall. Children have 6 seconds per question, so they need to know the answer fluently rather than counting through the whole table each time.
For example, a child may be able to work out 8 × 7 by counting up, but under the check timing they need to recall that 8 × 7 = 56 quickly and confidently.
What happens if my child gets a low score?
A low score does not mean your child has failed. There is no official pass mark. However, a lower score may show that your child needs additional support with times-table recall.
The result should be seen as useful information, not a label. It can help parents and teachers understand where support is needed.
If times-table gaps continue into Year 5, Year 6 and secondary school, children may find topics such as fractions, division, written methods and problem-solving harder.
How are Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check results used?
Schools use the results to identify pupils who may need extra support. The results can help teachers plan additional practice, small-group work, intervention support and parent feedback.
The check is not designed to shame children. It is designed to identify where further support may be useful.
How can I tell if my child is ready?
Signs your child may be on track
- • Can answer most times-table questions up to 12 × 12
- • Can answer without counting from the beginning
- • Can recall many answers within 6 seconds
- • Stays calm with gentle timed practice
- • Can use multiplication facts in division and problem-solving
- • Feels reasonably confident with maths practice
Signs your child may need support
- • Relies heavily on fingers or counting
- • Takes a long time to answer
- • Guesses many answers
- • Panics when timed
- • Only knows 2, 5 and 10 securely
- • Mixes up 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12 times tables
- • Avoids maths practice
- • Says "I'm bad at maths"
What is a good score in the Year 4 Times Tables Check?
There is no official pass mark, but the check is scored out of 25.
| 23–25 | Secure and confident |
| 20–22 | Almost secure |
| 15–19 | Developing |
| 10–14 | Needs support |
| 0–9 | Significant gaps |
This is not an official government grading system. It is a parent-friendly guide to help families understand what a result may suggest.
How can parents help with times tables at home?
- Practise little and often
- Focus on one table at a time
- Mix up the order
- Use related facts
- Practise the tricky upper tables
- Build accuracy first, then speed
- Keep timed practice gentle
- Celebrate progress
When should I get extra help?
Extra help may be useful if a child is regularly anxious, avoids times-table practice, struggles with recall despite home practice, or is finding wider maths harder because multiplication facts are not secure.
How Oldham Tuition Centre can help
At Oldham Tuition Centre, we support children with primary maths tuition, times-table fluency, number confidence and wider maths foundations. Our aim is not just to prepare children for one check, but to help them feel more confident and capable in maths.
We can help children:
- improve times-table recall
- identify weaker multiplication facts
- build speed and accuracy
- reduce anxiety around timed questions
- strengthen wider maths foundations
- prepare for Year 4 and Year 5 maths expectations
- feel more confident in school
Try Our Free Year 4 Times Tables Readiness Snapshot
Not sure whether your child is ready? Use our free parent-friendly snapshot to check their times-table confidence and receive a personalised result guide.
- 25-question readiness check
- Score out of 25
- Readiness band
- Strengths noticed
- Areas that may need more support
- Downloadable PDF result guide
- Recommended next steps