Vedic Maths Tricks Every Student Should Know

Vedic maths tricks are short mental-calculation methods that help students multiply, square and work out percentages much faster than the usual long method. They were collected and popularised in the 20th century by Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha, based on short sutras (formulas).

Here are five tricks every student from Class 4 upwards can learn in a week, each with clear examples.

Trick 1: Multiply Any Two-Digit Number by 11

Method: write the first digit, then the sum of the two digits, then the last digit.

52 × 11 → 5 | (5 + 2) | 2 = 572
36 × 11 → 3 | 9 | 6 = 396

When the sum is 10 or more, carry the 1 to the left: 87 × 11 → 8 | 15 | 7 → (8 + 1) | 5 | 7 = 957

Three-digit numbers: keep the first and last digits, and add neighbouring pairs in the middle. 243 × 11 → 2 | (2+4) | (4+3) | 3 = 2673

Trick 2: Square Any Number Ending in 5

(Sutra: Ekadhikena Purvena — "by one more than the previous one")

Method: multiply the digit(s) before the 5 by the next number, then write 25 at the end.

65² → 6 × 7 = 42 → 4225
95² → 9 × 10 = 90 → 9025
105² → 10 × 11 = 110 → 11025

This is the same trick used in our squares and cubes 1 to 50 post, and it works for any size of number.

Trick 3: Multiply Numbers Close to 100 (Nikhilam Method)

(Sutra: Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah — "all from 9 and the last from 10")

Method for numbers just below 100: find how far each number is from 100 (its deficit); cross-subtract one deficit from the other number for the left part; multiply the two deficits for the right part.

97 × 96 → deficits 3, 4 → left: 97 − 4 = 93 → right: 3 × 4 = 12 → 9312

98 × 93 → deficits 2, 7 → left: 98 − 7 = 91 → right: 2 × 7 = 14 → 9114

If the right part has 3 digits, carry the extra digit — 88 × 89 → deficits 12, 11 → left: 88 − 11 = 77 → right: 12 × 11 = 132 (3 digits) → carry 1: 77 + 1 = 78, right becomes 32 → 7832

For numbers just above 100, add instead — 103 × 107 → excesses 3, 7 → left: 103 + 7 = 110 → right: 3 × 7 = 21 → 11021

Trick 4: Vertically and Crosswise (Any Two-Digit Multiplication)

(Sutra: Urdhva Tiryagbhyam)

23 × 41: Right (vertical): 3 × 1 = 3 → write 3. Middle (crosswise): (2×1) + (3×4) = 2 + 12 = 14 → write 4, carry 1. Left (vertical): 2 × 4 = 8, plus carry 1 = 9. Answer: 943

Check another — 32 × 14: Right: 2 × 4 = 8. Middle: 3×4 + 2×1 = 14 → write 4, carry 1. Left: 3×1 + 1 = 4. Answer: 448 ✓

Trick 5: Fast Percentages

These aren't a single sutra, but use the same "break it into easy parts" thinking.

To find	Do this	Example (of 640)
10%	Move the decimal one place left	64
5%	Half of 10%	32
1%	Move the decimal two places left	6.4
15%	10% + 5%	64 + 32 = 96
20%	10% × 2	128
25%	Divide by 4	160

The swap trick: x% of y = y% of x. 8% of 50 = 50% of 8 = 4. 4% of 75 = 75% of 4 = 3.

Speed Comparison

Problem	Usual method	Vedic method
97 × 96	4–5 lines of long multiplication	One line: 93 | 12
65²	Long multiplication	6 × 7 = 42, then 25
87 × 11	Two rows plus addition	8 | 15 | 7 → 957

How to Practise

• 5 questions a day with one trick at a time. Don't mix tricks in week one.
• Always check a few answers with the normal method so the trick feels trustworthy.
• Use it in real life — discounts while shopping, bills, cricket scores.
• Don't drop school methods. Board exams expect proper working, so use Vedic tricks for speed and checking.

For a fuller comparison of mental-maths programmes, read Abacus vs Vedic Maths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vedic maths useful for board exams and competitive exams?
Yes, for speed and for checking answers. In board exams, still show the standard steps the marking scheme expects.

At what age can a child start Vedic maths?
Most children can start simple tricks around Class 4–5 (age 9–10), once they know tables up to 10 well.

How do you multiply a number by 11 quickly?
Write the first digit, then the sum of the two digits, then the last digit, carrying over if the sum is 10 or more. For example, 52 × 11 = 572.

What is the Nikhilam method?
A Vedic method for multiplying numbers close to a base like 100, using how far each number is from the base to get the answer in one line.

Can Vedic maths replace regular maths learning?
No. It is a set of shortcuts that works best on top of strong basics in tables, place value and the standard methods.