--- title: "Square and cube numbers" description: "Recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers, and the notation for squared (²) and cubed (³)" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/square-and-cube-numbers-mt_gxCIASSezX source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/square-and-cube-numbers-mt_gxCIASSezX.md retrieved: 2026-10-19 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Square and cube numbers Recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers, and the notation for squared (²) and cubed (³) Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 9 to 10 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/square-and-cube-numbers-mt_gxCIASSezX ## Ready when they can - Identify 49 as 7² and explain that 7 × 7 = 49 - Calculate 4³ = 64 and explain it means 4 × 4 × 4 - List the first ten square numbers ## Lesson: Square and cube numbers A square number is what you get when you multiply a whole number by itself. We write it with a small raised 2, like 5². That little 2 means 5 × 5, so 5² = 25. *(drawing: Four rows of four dots make a square shape: 4 × 4 = 16. That is why we call 16 a square number.)* A cube number works the same way, but you multiply the number by itself three times instead of two. We write it with a small raised 3, like 4³. That means 4 × 4 × 4. **Example.** Let's work out 3³. The small 3 means multiply 3 by itself three times: 3 × 3 × 3. First, 3 × 3 = 9. Then 9 × 3 = 27. So 3³ = 27. **Tip.** Squared numbers make a square shape, with the same number of rows and columns. Cubed numbers multiply the number three times, not two, so they grow much faster. 2² = 4, but 2³ = 8. **Recap.** n² means n × n, and n³ means n × n × n. The tiny number tells you how many times to multiply. ## Practice 17 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [All times tables to 12×12](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/all-times-tables-to-12-12-mt_K5jM7vlVhA) ## Opens up - [Factors, multiples, squares and cubes (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/factors-multiples-squares-and-cubes-age-9-mt_0Wg5F97osg) - [Order of operations with powers and roots](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/order-of-operations-with-powers-and-roots-mt_X5cypSGoGU) - [Precise Maths Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/precise-maths-vocabulary-mt_xfwv0M83mJ)