Vedic Math Hacks: Solve in Seconds

Vedic Math is an ancient Indian system of calculation that offers faster and often simpler ways to solve mathematical problems. Rooted in 16 sutras (or principles), this method focuses on mental agility, pattern recognition, and intuitive shortcuts. Whether you're preparing for competitive exams or just want to speed up your daily math, Vedic techniques can help you solve problems in seconds.

In this blog, we’ll break down some powerful Vedic Math hacks that you can start using today for faster multiplication, squaring, and mental calculations.

1. Multiplying Numbers Close to a Base (Like 10, 100, 1000)

When two numbers are close to a power of 10, use the "Base Method".

Example: 98 × 97

Both numbers are near 100.

• Base = 100
• 98 is 2 less than 100 (−2), 97 is 3 less (−3)
• Cross-subtract: 98 − 3 = 95 (or 97 − 2 = 95)
• Multiply the differences: 2 × 3 = 06
• Final Answer: 9506

Why it works:

You're multiplying the base (100) adjusted number and adding the product of the deficits. It’s faster than the standard long multiplication.

2. Square Any Number Ending in 5

Use the “Last Digit Rule” for squaring numbers ending in 5.

Example: 75²

• Take the first digit(s): 7
• Multiply by the next number: 7 × 8 = 56
• Add 25 at the end: 5625

Works for: 25, 35, 65, 95, etc.

It’s a reliable shortcut that saves time and builds confidence in squaring without a calculator.

3. Multiplying Two-Digit Numbers with Same First Digit and Last Digits Adding to 10

This is a classic Vedic shortcut.

Example: 43 × 47

• First digit is the same: 4
• Last digits add up to 10: 3 + 7 = 10
• Multiply the first digit by the next number: 4 × 5 = 20
• Multiply the last digits: 3 × 7 = 21
• Final Answer: 2021

This method works beautifully when that pattern holds.

4. Subtracting from 1000, 10000, etc.

For numbers like 1000 − 467, there’s a quick trick.

Example: 1000 − 467

• Subtract each digit (except the last one) from 9:
  9 − 4 = 5, 9 − 6 = 3
• Subtract the last digit from 10: 10 − 7 = 3
• Final Answer: 533

Fast subtraction without borrowing or paper.

5. Doubling and Halving Method for Multiplication

If one number is even, halve it and double the other for simpler multiplication.

Example: 25 × 16

• Half of 16 = 8
• Double 25 = 50
• Now do 50 × 8 = 400

This helps especially when one number becomes friendlier after doubling or halving.

6. The All-from-9-and-the-last-from-10 Rule

Used in complements and subtraction shortcuts.

Example: To find the complement of 2764 (i.e., 9999 − 2764)

• 9 − 2 = 7
• 9 − 7 = 2
• 9 − 6 = 3
• 10 − 4 = 6
• Final Answer: 7236

This is helpful in mental subtraction, decimal complements, and quick checks.

7. Multiplying by 11

There’s a quick trick for two-digit numbers.

Example: 52 × 11

• Split the digits: 5 _ 2
• Add them: 5 + 2 = 7
• Place it in the middle: 572

So, 52 × 11 = 572. For larger numbers, the same logic can be extended.

Final Thoughts

Vedic Math is more than just speed—it builds mental clarity, reduces calculation anxiety, and strengthens number intuition. With regular practice, these hacks become second nature, letting you breeze through arithmetic both in exams and daily life.

Start using Matiks to practice these Vedic techniques through gamified puzzles and challenges—learn to solve in seconds, the smart way.