Before the Event
Set up in under 5 minutes
The Multiplication Bee runs inside What Times What — a free math fact fluency app. Here's how to get started.
Create a free account
Go to whattimeswhat.com and sign up with Google or email. It takes 30 seconds. If you're a teacher, activate your teacher account from the Settings page — this gives you access to classrooms and event tools.
Go to Compete → Multiplication Bee
From the home screen, tap Compete in the navigation. Under "Set up a competition," select Multiplication Bee. This opens the event creation wizard.
Create your event
Give it a name (e.g., "Mrs. Johnson's 3rd Grade Bee"), set the timer (30 seconds is standard), and choose the deck — full 12×12 multiplication table or a specific table for younger students. Hit create and you'll get an event code in ANIMAL-NN format (e.g., TIGER-42).
Register students
Share the event code with students. They go to whattimeswhat.com, tap Compete, then Join, and enter the code. Each student picks a 4-digit PIN they'll use to identify themselves at the station — no email or account required.
During the Event
You control the pace. Students compete.
The Commissioner Panel lets you manage the entire event from any device — your laptop, tablet, or phone.
Project the leaderboard
Open the Projected Board on a screen the room can see — a projector, TV, or smartboard. It updates in real time: scores, rankings, and the cut line. Full-screen mode with one click.
Run the rounds
From the Commissioner Panel, tap Begin Round. One student at a time walks to the station computer at the front of the room, enters their PIN, and plays the timed round while the audience watches. Their score appears on the projected board as soon as they finish. When every student in the round has played, you confirm eliminations — the cut line shows who advances and who's out.
You configure the cut mode when you create the event. The projected board shows the cut line throughout the round so students and the audience can follow the stakes in real time.
Crown a champion
Keep running rounds until one student is left standing. The winner gets a confetti celebration on the projected board. Share the results, hand out certificates, make it a moment.
Good to Know
Tips for a great event
Use a laptop with a keyboard
A laptop or Chromebook with a physical keyboard works best for station play. Students tap the spacebar to advance cards. Touchscreens can miss taps from dry fingers.
Voice-powered
Students say the answer out loud. Speech recognition scores every response automatically — no judges needed.
Use an external keyboard
A physical keyboard with a spacebar is faster and more reliable than a touchscreen for advancing cards. Plug one into the station laptop for the best experience.
Use the built-in microphone
The laptop's native microphone is always listening and works best. External mics often have voice-activation software that cuts off the beginning of words. Keep it simple — use what's built in.
You set the timer
30 seconds is standard. Shorten it for advanced students, lengthen it for younger ones. You choose when you create the event.
Works at any scale
One classroom. A full grade level. A school-wide assembly. Multiple stations running in parallel. The system handles it.
Pick your deck
Use the full 12×12 table for a standard Bee, or focus on a single table (e.g., 7×?) for a targeted practice event.
Completely free
No cost. No trial. No school purchase order. The Multiplication Bee is part of What Times What, which is free forever.
Questions
Thinking about running one? Let's talk.
You don't need our help to run a Bee, and you never need permission. But if you'd rather talk it through with someone first, we're happy to. Ask anything.
We read every message and usually reply within a few hours. Prefer email? contact@classical-education.org.
Ready to run your Bee?
Create a free account and set up your first event in minutes.
Go to What Times What → Need help? Request info