16 Sutras of Vedic Maths

Swarnali Saha
Founder, Welcome2Maths | 15+ years as a Math Teacher & Life Skills Coach
As a math coach deeply passionate about making calculation faster and easier, I often get this question from curious learners and parents alike:
“What are the 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths, and how exactly do they work?”
In this blog, I want to introduce you to the 16 powerful Sutras (formulas) of Vedic Maths — the ancient Indian system that can transform how we calculate.
These Sutras are not just theoretical ideas; I personally use them while teaching students in my Master Calculation Course and one-on-one live sessions. And believe me, once you understand them, you’ll never look at numbers the same way again!

🔢 Here are the 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths with Meaning and Examples:
1. Ekādhikena Pūrvena – By one more than the previous one
This is a favorite when it comes to squaring numbers ending in 5.
👉 Example: 25²
Take 2 (the digit before 5), multiply it with its next: 2×3 = 6
Now attach 25 → 625
2. Nikhilam Navataścaramam Daśatah – All from 9 and the last from 10
This Sutra helps with subtraction and base multiplication.
👉 Example: 1000 – 879 =
Apply complements: 9–8 = 1, 9–7 = 2, 10–9 = 1 → 121
3. Ūrdhva-Tiryagbhyām – Vertically and crosswise
A versatile technique for general multiplication.
👉 Example: 12 × 13
1×1 = 1
(1×3 + 2×1) = 5
2×3 = 6
So, the answer is 156
4. Parāvartya Yojayet – Transpose and adjust
This is useful for division and recurring decimals.
👉 Example: 103 ÷ 9
We use the reciprocal method and adjust – result is 11 R4
5. Shunyam Sāmyasamuccaye – When the sum is the same, it is zero
If two terms have the same value, their difference is zero.
👉 Example: In algebra, it simplifies complex expressions quickly.
6. Ānurūpyena – Proportionately
Very helpful in multiplication near base values.
👉 Example: 98 × 97
Base = 100
98 → -2, 97 → -3
98 – 3 = 95, (-2×-3) = 06 → Answer = 9506
7. Sūnyamanyat – If one is zero, the other is zero
This is a logical condition.
👉 Example: If x × y = 0, then either x = 0 or y = 0
8. Sankalana-Vyavakalanābhyām – By addition and subtraction
👉 Example:
x + y = 10
x – y = 4
Add and divide:
→ x = 7, y = 3
9. Pūranāpūranābhyām – By completion or non-completion
Complements help you subtract easily.
👉 Example: 1000 – 456
Apply complements: 543 + 1 = 544
10. Chalana-Kalanābhyām – By differentiation
Used in algebraic simplifications and calculus-like thinking.
11. Yāvadūnam – Whatever the deficiency
A brilliant shortcut for squaring numbers near a base.
👉 Example: 98²
Deficiency = 2
→ 98 – 2 = 96 | 2² = 04 → 9604
12. Vyashti-Samashti – Part and whole
Useful for breaking complex problems into parts.
13. Shesanyankena Charamena – The remainders by the last digit
Helpful in divisibility tests.
👉 Example: Used for checking divisibility by 7, 9, etc.
14. Sopāntya-Dvayamantyam – Ultimate and twice the penultimate
A useful rule for digit-based divisibility.
15. Ekanyūnena Pūrvena – By one less than the previous one
Perfect for multiplying numbers like 49 × 51.
👉 Example:
Use base 50:
49 = 50 – 1, 51 = 50 + 1
Answer = 50² – 1² = 2500 – 1 = 2499
16. Gunitasamuccayah Samuccayagunitah – Product of the sum is equal to the sum of the product
👉 Example:
a×b + a×c = a×(b + c)

🎯 Where Do I Use These Sutras?
In my Master Calculation Course, I go deep into how each sutra works — not just theory, but real application. I also offer 121 live sessions, where I personally guide each student through these concepts and show how to apply them in:
- School Math
- Mental Math
- Competitive Exams
- Teaching others effectively
🧡 Final Thoughts
Vedic Maths is not just about shortcuts — it’s a beautiful system of thinking. These Sutras train your brain to work faster, smarter, and more confidently with numbers.
If you want to develop your speed calculation, I welcome you to explore my courses or join my live sessions.
Let’s bring back the power of ancient Indian math and make learning truly joyful!
—
📩 Have a question? Or want to try a few tricks with me? Drop a message anytime.
👉 Check out my Master Calculation Course here: https://welcome2maths.com/page/master-calculations-course
👉 Learn 1-to-1 with me: WhatsApp @7024030465
#VedicMaths #MathCoach #MentalMath #FastCalculation #SpeedMath #IndianMathematics #Welcome2Maths #MathEducation
© 2020 welcome2maths. All rights reserved