How to Solve Multiplication With a Grid

A multiplication grid can help students learn multiplication facts. When you make a multiplication grid using numbers from 0 to 12, it provides a visual aid that helps students see how the numbers combine in multiplication. A grid is also a valuable study aid when students need to drill their multiplication facts to learn them (either independently or with assistance).

Things You'll Need

• Multiplication grid
• Printer (optional)

Instructions

1. Visit abcteach.com (see Resources) to find a printable multiplication grid. Use the grid on your computer monitor or print it out onto plain white paper.

2. Look at the table and notice how the columns and rows of numbers work together. The numbers 0 through 12 are in a vertical column and horizontal row at the top and left edges of the grid. Within the grid are vertical columns and horizontal rows of numbers.

3. Find the answer to multiplication equations by combining a number from the left edge vertical column and the top horizontal row. Follow the left edge number horizontally to the right and follow the top row number vertically down until the lines intersect. The point where the lines intersect is the answer to the multiplication equation. For example, follow the 2 from the left edge over to the point where it intersects with the 8 going down from the top row. The number in the square where the two numbers intersect is 16 (the answer to 2 x 8).

4. Learn the multiplication facts using the grid. Break down the grid into four quadrants (top left, bottom left, top right and bottom right). Concentrate on learning one quadrant at a time. For example, the top left quadrant includes the numbers between 1 and 5 going both horizontally and vertically. Learn these facts well and then progress onto either the bottom left or the top right quadrant.

5. Notice that the grid mirrors itself. The top horizontal row is the same as the left vertical column. The next horizontal row is the same as the next vertical column in from the left. Once you see how this works, you realize you only need to memorize half of the grid in order to learn all the multiplication facts.

Tips & Warnings

• Print out an empty grid (see Resources) and practice filling in the numbers to learn the facts.

References

• Math is Fun: Tables

Resources

• ABC Teach: Multiplication Grid
• ABC Teach: Empty Multiplication Grid