Whether you’re calculating a restaurant tip, splitting a bill, or working through a competitive exam, quick math isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a life skill. But the problem? Traditional math feels slow and sometimes overwhelming.
This guide isn’t about solving rocket science equations. It’s about helping you master daily math in minutes using clever tricks, shortcut formulas, and mental math hacks that actually work.
🔢 1. The Magic of Multiplying by 5, 11, 25, 99, and 125
| Number | Trick | Example |
|---|---|---|
| x 5 | Half the number, then multiply by 10 | 68 × 5 = (68 ÷ 2) × 10 = 34 × 10 = 340 |
| x 11 | Add the digits and place the sum in between | 23 × 11 = 2 (2+3) 3 = 253 |
| x 25 | Divide by 4, then add two zeroes | 16 × 25 = (16 ÷ 4) × 100 = 4 × 100 = 400 |
| x 99 | Multiply by 100 and subtract the original | 52 × 99 = (52 × 100) – 52 = 5200 – 52 = 5148 |
| x 125 | Divide by 8, then multiply by 1000 | 16 × 125 = (16 ÷ 8) × 1000 = 2 × 1000 = 2000 |
🧠 2. Square Numbers Ending in 5 (In Seconds)
Want to find 65² in your head?
Here’s the trick:
If a number ends in 5, square the first digit(s) and multiply by the next number, then add 25 at the end.
📌 Example:
65² = (6 × 7) & add 25 → 42 25 → ✅ 4225
Try it with:
- 25² → 2 × 3 = 6 → 625
- 85² → 8 × 9 = 72 → 7225
Boom 💥 Fast and easy!
🧮 3. Multiplying Two Numbers Close to 100 (Vedic Trick)
This trick works when both numbers are around 100.
Let’s try: 98 × 96
Step-by-step:
- Subtract each number from 100:
- 100 – 98 = 2
- 100 – 96 = 4
- Cross-subtract: 98 – 4 = 94
- Multiply the two differences: 2 × 4 = 08
- Final answer = 9408
✅ 98 × 96 = 9408
🔁 4. Percentage Shortcuts You’ll Actually Use
| Need to Find | Shortcut | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of a number | Move the decimal one place left | 10% of 150 = 15 |
| 5% of a number | Find 10%, then divide by 2 | 5% of 150 = 7.5 |
| 15% of a number | 10% + 5% | 15% of 150 = 15 + 7.5 = 22.5 |
| 25% of a number | Divide by 4 | 25% of 200 = 50 |
Stop reaching for calculators—you’ve got this!
🧩 5. Mental Division (Using Estimation)
Dividing big numbers? Use this mental estimation method:
👉 234 ÷ 6
Step 1: Think how many 6s go into 23 → Around 3 (6×3 = 18)
Step 2: You’re left with 5 → Bring down 4 → Now divide 54 by 6 = 9
✅ Answer = 39
💡 Bonus: Why These Tricks Work (A Peek Behind the Curtain)
Most of these tricks are based on number patterns and place value arithmetic. You’re not skipping math—you’re optimizing it.
Even competitive exams like CAT, SAT, or GRE reward this kind of smart math.
🧭 Final Thoughts: One Trick a Day = Math Mastery
You don’t need to memorize everything at once.
✅ Just practice one trick a day
✅ Keep a small notebook or digital note
✅ Apply them in real life (e.g., while shopping or budgeting)
Soon, you’ll realize: Math isn’t scary—it’s just about knowing the shortcuts.