Last updated - April 28, 2025
Whether you are a kid or an adult, having some simple math tricks up your sleeve can come in handy at times.
Being quick in calculations can save time and would not require you to run for a calculator.
In this blog, we are trying to learn some good, easy tricks that can help you save the day!
Simple Math Tricks That Make You Look Like A Genius
How to Multiply by 5 Instantly?
An easy way to multiply by 5 is to multiply the said number by 10 and then divide it by 2.
For example, if you want to find what 38*5 is, do 38*10/2=190.
Any Number Times 11 (Two-digit only)
If you have two digits and you want to know the answer when it is multiplied by 11. To find the answer easily, a condition needs to be kept in mind.
If A + B < 10 → Easy insert in the middle.
If A + B ≥ 10, → Add the carry to the first digit
For example,
If it’s 42*11, then, to get the answer, 4 (4+2) 2 = 462
If it is 55*11, then the addition of the two numbers comes to 10, you need to carry over that 1 to the first digit, 5 (5+5) 5 = 605.
Checking Divisibility by 3
To know whether a number is divisible by 3, you can just add the numbers together and see if that is divisible by 3.
For example,
Let’s take 612, 6+1+2=9, and yes, this number is divisible by 3.
Even Number X 5
All you have to do is halve the number and add a zero to it.
Say, you want to know what 144*5 is. All you have to do is take half of 144 and add zero to it, and the answer is 720.
Square Numbers Ending in 5
To get the squares of numbers ending in 5, you have to take the number before 5 and then multiply it by the next number and add 25 to the resulting number.
If you want to easily get the answer of 25², take the number that comes before 5, which is 2. Now, multiply 2 by 3 as 3 is the number after 2, and you get 6. Then, add 25 to it. You get 625.
Subtracting from 1000
To easily get the answer for anything subtracted from 1000, you have to deduct each number from 9 and the last one from 10.
If you are looking to find the answer for 1000-982, then (9-9=0) (9-8=1) and (10-2=8), the answer is 18.
Percentage Swap
a% of b and b% of a is the same.
5% of 80 is 4, and 80% of 5 is 4.
Multiply by 4
If you want to know what a number multiplied by 4 is, you just need to double it.
For example,
If you want to get the answer for 56*4, do 56*2 = 112; 112*2 = 224.
Multiply by 99
All you have to do is multiply the number by 100 and subtract it from the number.
If you want to know the answer to 72*99, 72*100=7200; 7200-72=7128.
Is That A Multiple of 11? (exclusive for 3 digits)
Do you want to quickly know whether a number is a multiple of 11? Subtract the first digit and the middle digit and add the third digit, if the answer is divisible by 11, then the number is divisible by 11.
Say, we are taking 468, (6-4=2) and (2+8=10), 10 is not divisible by 11, and hence 468 is not divisible by 11.
Multiplying Two-Digit Numbers With The Same Last Digit
The condition is not just limited to the last digits, but you have to get 10 by adding up the first digits.
Say you want to know what 46*66 is, it has the same last digits and the first digits (4 and 6) add up to 10.
Multiply the first two digits, 4*6=24.
Add the same last digit to 24, 24+6=30.
Multiply it by 100, 30*100=3000.
Add the square of the last common digit, 3000+6²=3036.
So, 46*66=3036.
How To Find 15% Of A Number?
Let’s split 15% into 10% and 5%.
Say you have a bill of $80 and you need to add a 15% tip.
10% of $80, $8. 5% of $8 is $4, now add both, $8 + $4 = $12.
Multiply Even Numbers By 15 Easily
If you want to get the answer to any even number multiplied by 15 easily, all you have to do is multiply the number by 10 and then add half of that to the number.
Let’s look into 12*15, 12*10=120, and add half of the number to it, which is 120+6=126.
Why Do You Need Simple Math Tricks?
Boosts Confidence
Math is always known to be a nightmare for kids and adults. Learning simple math tricks can help in arriving at the result easily giving an extra push in solving mathematical questions. Math tricks give a confidence boost, especially when you need to get to the answer quickly while shopping, figuring out tips, etc.
Saves Time
It’s not always necessary to have a calculator at your disposal. So, learning some simple and basic math tricks can help in saving a lot of time.
Sharpens Your Brain
In this age of frequent brain rots, such mental math tricks can help jog your brain power to optimum. Using these math tricks can help you solve a lot of calculations through just using your mental calculations.
Fun and Engaging
You can consider them as food for the brain and make a game out of it. Just practice them as regular brain teasers that help enhance your memory.
Conclusion
Math problems often bring us to a halt, and these problems come along as daily requirements quite a lot of time. This blog has put in some of the usual math tricks that can come in handy in day-to-day life.
FAQs
- Why should I learn math tricks?
Math tricks make calculations faster, improve mental agility, and help build confidence in everyday situations — from shopping to exams.
- Are these tricks only for students?
Not at all! They’re great for anyone — students, professionals, parents, or anyone who wants to think quicker with numbers.
- Can these tricks replace regular math methods?
They’re not replacements, but shortcuts for specific situations. They complement traditional methods by making mental math easier.
- What’s the best way to remember these tricks?
Practice them regularly in real-life situations — like when tipping, budgeting, or even playing math games.
- Are there more advanced math tricks too?
Yes! These are beginner-friendly, but once you’re comfortable, there are tricks for algebra, percentages, and even Vedic math techniques
