21 Times Table

Learning the 21 times table may sound like a big step for kids, but once they discover the patterns behind the number 21 and how often it appears in daily life.

In fact, 21 is one of those “secretly useful” numbers that show up in games, sports, calendars, and even nature.

Did you know there are 21 spots on a standard die, 21 days in many habit-building challenges, and 21 is considered the “age of full adulthood” in the U.S.? Kids also enjoy discovering that 21 is a combination of two friendly numbers (3 × 7), which makes the multiplication patterns predictable and great for building confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore the 21 times table using charts, tricks, bilingual Chinese counting, fun games, and learning strategies.

21 Times Table Multiplication Chart

What Is the 21 Times Table?

The 21 times table is the set of multiplication facts involving the number 21 (e.g., 21 × 1, 21 × 2, 21 × 3…). Although larger than typical elementary school tables, it teaches kids important skills:

• breaking down numbers using factors (21 = 3 × 7)
• using patterns to speed up calculation
• building mental math fluency
• strengthening place-value understanding

Why 21 Is Special ?

21 is a “friendly composite number,” meaning it’s built from smaller numbers children already know: 3 and 7.
This unlocks two easy pathways for multiplication:

• Strategy 1: 21 × n = (20 × n) + n
• Strategy 2: 21 × n = (3 × n) × 7

These strategies blend well with visual learning, Chinese number logic, and bilingual math instruction.

21 Times Table Chart and List (1–20)

21 Times Table (1–20)

Fun Facts About the Number 21

Kids love learning fun number trivia—it builds confidence and curiosity before diving into the table.

21 Is Made of Two Friendly Factors

3 × 7 = 21 → this makes multiplication easier using factor breakdowns.

Many Games Use “21” as the Goal

Cards, dice, and puzzles often use 21—it’s seen as a “perfect challenge number.”

21 Days Builds a Habit

Many teachers use this to motivate students:
“Master the 21 times table in 21 days!”

21 in Chinese Culture

21 is read as 二十一 (èr shí yī)—a clear, logical number that helps bilingual learners understand tens and ones.

21 Times Table Tricks and Shortcuts

Trick 1: Multiply by 20, Then Add One More Group

21 × n = (20 × n) + n
Example:
21 × 7 = (20 × 7) + 7 = 140 + 7 = 147

Trick 2: Use 3 and 7

Since 21 = 3 × 7:
21 × n = (3 × n) × 7

Example:
21 × 4 → 3 × 4 = 12 → 12 × 7 = 84

Trick 3: Skip-Counting by 21

21, 42, 63, 84…
This is especially fun with songs or rhythm clapping.

Trick 4: Pattern Watching

The ones digit follows a loop:
1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 0 → repeat

Spotting this helps kids memorize faster.

Fun 21 Times Table Activities for Kids

1. 21-Point Challenge Game

Kids roll dice and aim to reach 21 exactly—great for mental addition and multiplication patterns.

2. Build-Your-Own 21 Chart (Craft Activity)

Children color and decorate each product block.
Great for visual learners.

3. “Multiples of 21” Hopscotch

Draw numbers: 21, 42, 63, 84…
Kids hop to the next correct answer.
Perfect for active learning.

4. Bilingual Quiz Cards

Front: 21 × 6
Back: 126 / 一百二十六
Excellent for classroom or home practice.

Conclusion

The 21 times table may seem large at first, but with patterns, shortcuts, songs, and fun practice activities, kids can master it faster and enjoyably. Whether you’re a parent, tutor, or teacher, introducing multiplication through real-life connections and bilingual support makes learning stronger and more memorable.

If you’re ready to help your child take their math skills to the next level, try WuKong Education’s engaging online lessons and printable worksheets.

Start exploring WuKong’s math learning class today!

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Nathan | WuKong Math Teacher

Graduated from the University of New South Wales. He has over 8 years of experience teaching elementary and high school mathematics and science. As a rigorous and steady mathematics teacher, Nathan has always been well received by students 1-12 grades.