What is Vedic Mathematics?
Vedic math is a system of mental calculation based on 16 sutras (word-formulas) rediscovered from ancient Indian texts. These techniques reduce complex arithmetic to simple patterns that are easy to hold in working memory.
The most powerful technique for everyday use is Urdhva Tiryagbhyam (vertically and crosswise) — commonly called the criss-cross method.
The Criss-Cross Method
This technique multiplies two-digit numbers in three quick steps. Instead of four separate multiplications and tedious carrying, you work through the number from right to left in one smooth pass.
Example: 23 × 14
The beauty of this method is that you only need to remember the running carry — never more than a single digit. With practice, the three steps merge into a single fluid motion.
Try it yourself
Why does this work?
The criss-cross method is actually the standard multiplication algorithm compressed into a single pass. When you multiply 23 × 14 on paper, you compute (20+3) × (10+4) = 200 + 80 + 30 + 12 = 322. The criss-cross method computes the same four products but processes them column by column, so you never need to write anything down.
Extending to three digits
The same pattern extends to three-digit numbers with five steps instead of three. Velox teaches this progression gradually — once two-digit criss-cross feels automatic, three digits follow naturally.