What Is the Area Model for Multiplication?

As your students are starting with with with larger numbers, multiplication can become a bit tricky! Teaching students alternative strategies outside of the standard algorithm can show students a different approach to finding products of multi-digit problems. 

The area model for multiplication (otherwise known as the box method) is a way to multiply larger numbers by finding partial products and adding them together. Let’s take a quick look at how to solve a problem using the area model!

If we use the multiplication problem, 24 x 56, the first step would be to create a box that has 2 columns and 2 rows. This is because the first factor is made up of 2 digits and the second factor has 2 as well. Expand each factor by using your understanding of expanded form. 24 becomes 20 + 4 and 56 becomes 50 + 6. Write the expanded form of the first factor across the top of the box with one number above each box. The second expanded factor is written vertically along the left side. 

Multiply the top number by the side number and write the partial product in each box. Once all four partial products have been found, add the numbers to determine the total product.

Let’s Practice Multiplication – Area Model (Box Method) Style!

If you are looking for some multiplication practice for your students with this method, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a comprehensive worksheet pack to help your students use the area model to solve multi-digit multiplication problems.

This 20-page worksheet pack comes with 2 pages of practice for each of the following problem types:

• 2 Digits x 1 Digit
• 3 Digits x 1 Digit
• 4 Digits x 1 Digit
• 2 Digits x 2 Digits
• 3 Digits x 2 Digits

Answer keys for each worksheet are also available to make grading quick and easy!

How to Get Your Box Method Multiplication Worksheets

Head on over to the green download button if you are ready to use these area model worksheets with your students! Here, you can find the quick-print PDF file and the editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Multiplication Resources For Your Classroom!

Make sure to check out some of our suggested multiplication resources below! 

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Number Talks – Multiplication Strategies Task Cards

Help your students build number sense skills and sharpen their understanding of how to multiply 2 digits by 1 digit with this set of 24 task cards.

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Multi-Digit Multiplication Strategies Poster Pack

Teach your students about different multi-digit multiplication methods with this set of math posters.

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2-Digit Multiplication Tarsia Puzzle — Basketball-Themed

Practice multiplying two-digit by two-digit numbers with a basketball-themed tarsia puzzle for 4th or 5th grade.