Python Multiplication Table with Loops

Creating a multiplication table using Python loops is one of the best exercises for beginners to understand the power of for loops and nested loops. In this tutorial, you will learn step-by-step how to generate a multiplication table for any number using Python.

1. Why Learn Multiplication Tables with Loops?

Learning how to build a multiplication table in Python helps you practice several important programming concepts such as:

• Using for and while loops effectively.
• Understanding variable scope and iteration.
• Improving problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

2. Basic Example: Multiplication Table of 5

Let’s start with a simple Python program that prints the multiplication table of 5.

# Multiplication table of 5 using for loop
num = 5

print(f"Multiplication Table of {num}")
for i in range(1, 11):
    print(f"{num} x {i} = {num * i}")

Output:

Multiplication Table of 5
5 x 1 = 5
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 3 = 15
5 x 4 = 20
5 x 5 = 25
5 x 6 = 30
5 x 7 = 35
5 x 8 = 40
5 x 9 = 45
5 x 10 = 50

In the example above, we used a simple for loop that runs 10 times, from 1 to 10. For each iteration, it multiplies num by the loop counter i and prints the result.

3. Multiplication Table Using While Loop

Now let’s use a while loop to do the same task. This helps you understand both looping methods in Python.

# Multiplication table of any number using while loop
num = int(input("Enter a number: "))
i = 1

print(f"\nMultiplication Table of {num}")
while i <= 10:
    print(f"{num} x {i} = {num * i}")
    i += 1

Sample Input/Output:

Enter a number: 7
Multiplication Table of 7
7 x 1 = 7
7 x 2 = 14
7 x 3 = 21
7 x 4 = 28
7 x 5 = 35
7 x 6 = 42
7 x 7 = 49
7 x 8 = 56
7 x 9 = 63
7 x 10 = 70

4. Display Full Multiplication Tables (1 to 10)

If you want to display the full multiplication table from 1 to 10, you can use nested loops. The outer loop represents the base number, and the inner loop generates the results for 1 to 10.

# Display full multiplication tables from 1 to 10
for i in range(1, 11):
    print(f"\nMultiplication Table of {i}")
    for j in range(1, 11):
        print(f"{i} x {j} = {i * j}")

Output (shortened):

Multiplication Table of 1
1 x 1 = 1
1 x 2 = 2
...
Multiplication Table of 2
2 x 1 = 2
2 x 2 = 4
...

5. Formatting the Table Neatly

You can make the output look cleaner by using formatted strings and alignment. The str.ljust() or format() method is useful for this.

# Neatly formatted multiplication tables
for i in range(1, 11):
    print(f"\nMultiplication Table of {i}".center(30, "-"))
    for j in range(1, 11):
        print(f"{i} x {j} = {i*j}".ljust(20))

This version aligns the text and separates each table clearly for better readability.

6. Real-World Use Case

Multiplication tables are not just for school exercises. In real-world applications, similar loops are used for generating mathematical grids, data charts, or visualizing number patterns in educational software. You can also store the results in a list or CSV file for further data analysis.

# Store multiplication results in a dictionary
tables = {}

for i in range(1, 11):
    tables[i] = [i * j for j in range(1, 11)]

print(tables[5])  # prints multiplication results for 5

7. Conclusion

Creating a Python multiplication table with loops is a great beginner-friendly project. You learned how to use for and while loops, how to format output neatly, and how to handle multiple tables using nested loops. With these concepts, you can now build more complex data generation scripts or even simple math learning tools.

To deepen your understanding of loops in Python, check the official documentation at
Python.org – Control Flow Tools.