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Near-base deficit board for 97 times 94
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Vedic Math Patterns for Mental Arithmetic

Use one named pattern without memorizing a long list.

March 22, 2026Math Gym Team1 min read

Near-base method

Use deficits when both numbers sit near 100

Turn 97 x 94 into two deficits from 100, then combine the cross-subtract and deficit product.

Near-base deficit board for 97 times 94
  1. 1Mark deficits: 97 is 3 short, 94 is 6 short.
  2. 2Cross-subtract to get 91.
  3. 3Multiply the deficits to get 18, then join the parts.
When to use it

Use this only when both numbers are close to the same base, such as 100 or 1000.

Crosswise method

Use train windows for two-digit products

Read left edge, cross window, and right edge before carrying the raw strip.

Crosswise multiplication window board
  1. 1Multiply the left edge.
  2. 2Add the two cross products.
  3. 3Multiply the right edge, then normalize.
Why the raw strip helps

Holding raw windows first keeps the thinking order clear; carrying is a final cleanup pass.

Vedic Mathematics is commonly taught as a set of compact arithmetic patterns popularized by Bharati Krishna Tirtha in the twentieth century.

You do not need to memorize every sutra to benefit. Start with one pattern and practice until you can explain when it applies.

Near-Base Multiplication

Use this when both numbers are close to 10, 100, or 1000.

For 97 x 96, use base 100. The deficits are 3 and 4. Cross-subtract to get 93, multiply the deficits to get 12, and join them as 9,312.

For 104 x 107, both numbers are above the base. Cross-add to get 111, multiply 4 x 7 to get 28, and read the answer as 11,128.

Crosswise Multiplication

Use this for two-digit multiplication.

For 23 x 14, scan the windows from left to right:

  • Left window: 2 x 1 = 2.
  • Cross window: 2 x 4 + 3 x 1 = 11.
  • Right window: 3 x 4 = 12.
  • Raw windows 2 | 11 | 12 normalize to 322.

This is useful because it keeps the work in a fixed order.

Squaring Numbers Ending in 5

For 35 squared, take the first digit, 3, multiply by one more, 4, and append 25. The result is 1,225.

The same pattern gives 45 squared = 2025 and 75 squared = 5625.

Practice Order

Start with near-base multiplication around 100. Then practice numbers ending in 5. Save crosswise multiplication for last, because it has more carrying.

The point is not to collect tricks. The point is to choose the shortest reliable method for the numbers in front of you.