What is Mental Maths: Top 5 Mental Math Systems to Calculate Faster and Smarter

Mental maths is the skill of doing math in your head without using a calculator, pen, or paper. 

From basic tasks like remembering multiplication tables to solving big sums using clever strategies, mental math is useful in school, at work, and even while shopping.

Definition of Mental Maths

Mental maths means solving problems using only your brain. It often involves memorized facts (like 9 x 8 = 72), smart shortcuts, or mental strategies to calculate quickly and accurately.

How Mental Math Helps Individuals!

• Develops confidence in maths
• Saves time in exams and daily life
• Improves brain power, memory, and focus
• Helps kids and adults develop a deeper understanding of numbers

Let’s explore five powerful systems from around the world that help people become faster and smarter at mental math

1. Vedic Maths (India)

Vedic Maths is an ancient Indian method of solving math problems quickly and creatively. It was rediscovered in the early 1900s by a scholar named Bharati Krishna Tirthaji from the Vedas, India’s ancient texts. 

Bharati Krishna Tirthaji is also known as the Father of Vedic Math.

Features of Vedic Maths

• Based on 16 sutras (formulas) and 13 sub-sutras, each designed to handle specific types of math problems like addition, multiplication, algebra, and more.
• Fast and simple methods like "Vertically and Crosswise" for multiplication or "Nikhilam" for working with numbers close to a base (like 10 or 100).
• Flexible and creative, one method can be used in many different ways.

What problem does Vedic math address?

• Helps you solve large sums in seconds, often without writing anything.
• Great for school students preparing for competitive exams.
• Builds a strong number sense and boosts mental agility.

Parents looking to help their kids with faster and easier math can check out the article below; it’s a complete guide on Vedic Maths made just for them.

The Trachtenberg System was created by Jakow Trachtenberg, a Russian engineer. It is a set of simple rules and steps mainly used for super-fast multiplication and other arithmetic operations.

Features of the Trachtenberg System

• Uses rules instead of traditional multiplication tables.
• Focuses on breaking down problems into easy-to-remember steps.
• Works well for large numbers, making it ideal for mental or minimal written calculations.

How It Helps

• You don’t need to memorize big tables.
• Even students who don’t love math can find it easier to handle big sums.
• Encourages accuracy and speed together.

This system is especially popular among students who want to learn advanced math tricks without the stress of memorization.

3. Mental Abacus (China/Japan)

Mental Abacus is based on using the traditional abacus tool, but only in your mind! Once someone learns to use a physical abacus, they can move the beads mentally to do math at lightning speed.

How Mental Abacus Works

• Learners imagine the abacus and move the beads in their mind.
• With practice, they can solve problems like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division without writing or touching anything.
• Advanced users can even do square roots or cube roots mentally.

How Abacus Improves Mental Math!

• Develop your kid’s focus, memory, and imagination.
• Activates both the left and right sides of the brain, logic, and creativity.
• Popular in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Singapore, especially among school children.

4. Chisanbop (Korea)

Chisanbop (also known as “Finger Math”) is a Korean method of doing math using your fingers. It helps children (and adults) perform basic arithmetic like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing using both hands.

How Chisanbop Works

• Each finger represents a number: 

1. Fingers on the right hand show units (1 to 9) 
2. while the left hand shows tens (10, 20, up to 90).
3. You tap your fingers on a table to show numbers and perform operations.

• For example, to show 37, you press three fingers on your left hand (30) and seven on your right (7).

Why It’s Useful

• Helps young learners visualize and understand numbers.
• Builds speed and confidence in basic math.
• Ideal for children with learning differences or those who prefer hands-on activities.

Chisanbop makes math more tactile and fun for beginners or anyone who struggles with abstract number thinking.

The Lattice Method, also called the “grid method” or “gelosia multiplication,” is a visual way to multiply large numbers using a lattice or grid.

How It Works

1. Draw a grid based on the digits in the numbers you're multiplying.
2. Fill each box by multiplying the digits and placing the tens above the diagonal and the units below.
3. Add along the diagonals, starting from the bottom right.
4. Read the final answer by following the diagonal paths.

Why It’s Effective

• Breaks large multiplication into small, manageable parts.
• Helps visual learners understand and organize big problems.
• Great for both students and adults learning multi-digit multiplication.

The Lattice Method has roots in ancient India and Arabia and is still taught in classrooms today for its clarity and simplicity.

Mental Math Tricks and Techniques

No matter which system you use, these basic mental math strategies can make your life easier:

• Decomposition: Break numbers into parts (e.g., 47 + 36 = 40 + 30 + 7 + 6).
• Rounding and Compensation: Round off numbers to calculate quickly, then adjust.
• Pattern Recognition: Spot number patterns, like 9 × 5 = 45 (4 + 5 = 9).
• Direct Recall: Memorize important math facts (times tables, squares).
• Algorithmic Systems: Use step-by-step strategies like in Vedic Maths or Trachtenberg.

Which Mental Math System Is Right for You?

Think Smarter with Mental Maths

Mental maths is not just about speed; it's about building confidence, improving understanding, and enjoying the beauty of numbers. Whether you're a parent, student, or curious learner, exploring these five systems can help you calculate faster and think smarter.

Try out different methods and see which one works best for you. With a little practice, you might be surprised how powerful your brain can be!

Start Your Mental Maths Journey with Interval Learning

At Interval Learning, we offer engaging Math Tuition for Classes 1 to 12 and a specialized Vedic Maths Course for students aged 10 to 13.

Our non-academic Vedic Maths course is designed to help your child:

• Calculate faster with ancient Indian techniques
• Build stronger number sense and mental sharpness
• Perform confidently in school exams and competitive tests

Whether your child is just starting with numbers or preparing for board exams, our expert tutors provide the right guidance, personal attention, and smart strategies to make learning maths easy and fun.

Book a demo session today and explore how Interval Learning can make a difference.