Mental maths means using number facts and useful steps to work things out. Fluency means you can choose a method confidently. It is not about being the first person to shout an answer.

Build a small set of strong facts

Practise times tables up to 12 × 12, matching division facts, number bonds to 10 and 100, doubles and halves. Mix the questions so you can recall a fact without reciting a whole table.

If 7 × 8 is tricky, use a fact you know: 7 × 4 = 28, so double 28 to get 56. Then connect the family: 8 × 7 = 56, 56 ÷ 7 = 8 and 56 ÷ 8 = 7.

Choose a helpful method

  • Split numbers: 46 + 27 = 46 + 20 + 7 = 73.
  • Round and adjust: 83 − 29 = 83 − 30 + 1 = 54.
  • Bridge to 100: 97 + 16 = 100 + 13 = 113.
  • Use parts: 6 × 14 = 6 × 10 + 6 × 4 = 84.
  • Double and halve: 25 × 16 = 50 × 8 = 100 × 4 = 400.

Connect facts to fractions and percentages

To find a quarter, divide by 4. A quarter of 84 is 21: half of 84 is 42, and half again is 21. To find 15% of 60, add 10% and 5%: 6 + 3 = 9. Understanding these links is more useful than memorising an isolated trick.

Try a five-minute routine

  1. Recall four familiar facts.
  2. Practise two facts that need more work.
  3. Solve a short problem and explain your method aloud.
  4. Finish by checking one answer in a different way.

Start without a timer. Add gentle timing only when the method is secure. Keep a small paper list of facts to revisit and notice progress over several days.

Your turn

  1. 8 × 7 = ?
  2. 72 ÷ 9 = ?
  3. 199 + 36 = ?
  4. 25% of 120 = ?
  5. Four notebooks cost £1.25 each. What is the total?
Show answers and methods

1. 56: double 7 × 4. 2. 8: use 9 × 8 = 72. 3. 235: 200 + 36 − 1. 4. 30: divide 120 by 4. 5. £5: four lots of £1 plus four lots of 25p.

Use working when it helps

Follow the test's instructions about rough work. A short written step can prevent a mistake in a longer problem. Estimate first, then ask whether your final answer makes sense.