What Is the Area Model? Math Made Easy!

The area model for multiplication (otherwise known as the box method) is a visual representation that helps understand and solve multiplication problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. It’s based on the concept of area, similar to calculating the area of a rectangle by multiplying its length and width.

Let’s take a look at how the area model works! 

1. Set Up the Box: Draw a box or grid, dividing it into sections representing the place values of the numbers being multiplied. For example, if multiplying a two-digit number by another two-digit number, create a 2×2 grid.
2. Place the Numbers: Write one factor in expanded form along the top of the box and the other expanded form factor along the left-hand side. Each digit of one factor aligns with a row, and each digit of the other factor aligns with a column.
3. Multiply and Fill In: Multiply the numbers in each cell where a row and column intersect and write the products in the respective cells.
4. Add the Results: Add up the numbers in each cell to find the final product.

Practice Multiplication With Area Model Methods

Teach Starter has created a set of 24 task cards to help your 4th grade students improve their understanding of using the area model when multiplying numbers together. This teacher-created resource requires students to fill in missing numbers within an area model, determine an error made in a given model and use the area model to find products. Students will have practice solving problems that are 2 digits x 1 digit, 3 digits x 1 digit, 4 digits x 1 digit and 2 digits x 2 digits.

This download also has a recording sheet for students to write their answers on and an answer key to make grading quick and easy. 

How to Get Your Area Model for Math Task Cards

If you are ready to get your hands on this set of multiplication task cards, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will find the quick-print PDF document as well as the editable Google Slides file. 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.

Consider printing the task cards on cardstock and then laminating them for durability. Cards can be stored in a bag, container or envelope.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Looking for More Multiplication Activities?

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Area Model for Multiplication Mini-Book

Demonstrate how to use area models for multiplication with this printable mini-book.

teaching resource

Area Model Multiplication Worksheets

Guide your students to use the area model when solving multi-digit multiplication problems with this 20-page worksheet pack.

teaching resource

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.