The multiplication formula has existed in ancient China for about 3000 years. There have been three strands, four strings and five laws in Shang and Zhou Dynasties. "The weight of the pipe" says: "The filter drama makes six holes to meet Yin and Yang, so that the number of ninety-nine is in line with heaven." "Han Shi Zhuan" cloud; "Qi Huangong gave a banquet in the imperial court, and others will come. In 1999, there will be people watching." The ancient multiplication formula is from top to bottom, from "998 1" to "one to one", and the order is opposite to the remainder. The ancients used the word "99" at the beginning of multiplication formula as the name of this formula, so it was called 99 multiplication table.

China used the "99 formula" earlier. Sentences such as "3927", "684 18", "483 12" and "6636" can be found in books such as Xunzi, Guanzi, Huainanzi and Warring States Policy. It can be seen that as early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, 99 multiplication songs became popular.