What Is the Box Multiplication Method? (Aka Area Model)

The box method, which is also known as the area model, is a helpful technique for solving multiplication problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. To use this method, you create a box or a grid that represents the multiplication of two numbers.

Here’s how the box method works:

Create a Box or Grid – Draw a rectangle or a square and divide it into sections using lines to form a grid. The number of columns and rows should correspond to the digits of the numbers being multiplied. For instance, if you’re multiplying a two-digit number by another two-digit number, create a 2×2 grid.

Fill in the Numbers – Expand the first factor along the top of the box and the other factor along the side, assigning each digit to a column or row. For example, if you’re multiplying 23 by 15, you’d place 20 above the top-left box, 3 above the top-right box, 10 to the left of the first box in the first row, and 5 to the left of the first box in the second row.

Multiply and Fill in the Boxes – Multiply the digits in each column/row intersection and place the results in the respective boxes.

Add the Partial Products – Add up the numbers in each box to get the final product.

The box method helps students visualize the multiplication process by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. It’s especially useful for multiplying multi-digit numbers because it keeps track of the partial products and makes the process clearer and more organized.

Practice Multi-Digit Multiplication – Area Model Worksheets

Teach Starter has created a set of area model worksheets to help students in the beginning stages of this multiplication strategy. This teacher-created resource includes 4 double-sided worksheets where students must write the factors shown by the area model and then find the product. This set of worksheets highlights using the area model for the following problem types:

• 3 digits x 2 digits
• 2 digits x 2 digits
• 4 digits x 1 digit
• 3 digits x 1 digit

An answer key is also included with this download for quick and easy grading!

How to Get Your Area Model Multiplication Worksheet Pack

If you are ready for your students to get their hands on this set of multiplication worksheets, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will find the quick-print PDF file as well as 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 Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Looking for More Practice With Multiplication Using Area Model Methods?

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

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Area Model of Multiplication Task Cards

Guide your students to use area model multiplication to solve multi-digit multiplication problems with this set of 24 task cards.

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Area Model Multiplication Interactive Activity

Help students understand how to use the area model of multiplication when solving multi-digit multiplication problems with this interactive activity.

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Area Model for Multiplication Mini-Book

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