How to Draw an Array

Are you teaching your students how to draw an array to represent a multiplication problem? This multiplication strategy is a great way for students to see a number represented in a grid-like format with rows and columns. Let’s break down how to draw an array!

1. Draw the Rows – Start by drawing the first object in each row. If you want, consider teaching your students to first draw horizontal lines to represent the rows. The number of rows will depend on the multiplication problem you want to show. If the problem is 3 x 4 (3 rows of 4), draw 3 horizontal lines.
2. Draw the Columns – Next, draw one object in each of the columns to start. The number of columns corresponds to the other number in the multiplication. For our example (3 rows of 4), make sure there are 4 objects to start a vertical column. Remind your students that the object in the first row from the first step also counts as the first column!
3. Fill in the Array – Fill in the rows and columns with your objects until you have created a square or a rectangle.

Let’s Draw! Array Style! 

If your students are in need of some additional practice with drawing arrays, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has developed a set of worksheets to help your students reinforce their understanding of multiplication and arrays.

This teacher-created resource has two different versions, noted by one or two stars in the upper right-hand corner of the page. The one-star version uses factors 1–5 and the two-star version uses factors 1–10. Regardless of the version used, students will look at the presented problem and draw a corresponding array for each.

How To Get Your Making Arrays Worksheets

If you are ready for your students to start drawing arrays for different multiplication facts, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will find the quick-print PDF file and the editable Google Slides version of this resource. 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.

Looking for More Array Activities?

Make sure to check out some of our favorite resources to use while teaching your students how to use arrays!

teaching resource

Array Card Kaboom!

Boost your students’ understanding of arrays and multiplication with this engaging Kaboom card game.

teaching resource

Multiplication With Arrays Task Cards

Practice multiplication with arrays using this set of 20 task cards in a variety of ways.

teaching resource

Array Races Multiplication Game – Facts 2, 3, 5, and 10

Create arrays to fill the board with this fun multiplication game.