What Are Equal Groups in Multiplication?

Equal groups in multiplication are sets or collections where each group contains the same number of items. It’s like having identical bunches or clusters that hold an equal number of things.

For example, if we have 4 groups of 5, each group will have the same number of items, in this case, 5 items in each of the 4 groups. This forms a total of 20 items altogether.

Teaching equal groups is crucial in understanding multiplication. It lays the foundation for multiplication concepts by showing how the same number can be combined or counted multiple times to find a total. 

Equal Groups Multiplication Worksheets

Teach Starter has created a collection of multiplication worksheets that focus on the strategy of using equal groups. This teacher-created worksheet pack comes with 6 different worksheets to help your students gain confidence in their multiplication skills. Each worksheet is numbered in the upper-right-hand corner so that you can assign different versions based on student ability.

• Worksheet 1: Equal groups cut and paste worksheet (Factors 1–5)
• Worksheet 2: Equal groups cut and paste worksheet (Factors 1–10)
• Worksheet 3: Write the multiplication facts based on a given model (Factors 1–5)
• Worksheet 4: Write the multiplication facts based on a given model (Factors 1–10)
• Worksheet 5: Draw the equal groups and solve the problem based on a given fact (Factors 1–5)
• Worksheet 6: Draw the equal groups and solve the problem based on a given fact (Factors 1–10)

Each page also has an answer key to make grading quick and easy!

How to Get Your Multiplication (Equal Groups) Worksheets

If you are ready to add these worksheets to your collection of multiplication resources, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will 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 Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Looking for More Multiplication Resources?

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

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Equal Groups Multiplication Task Cards

Highlight how to use equal groups to solve multiplication problems with this set of 24 task cards.

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Equal Groups Multiplication Activity

Engage your students with a hands-on activity to practice making equal groups to represent multiplication.

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Introduction to Multiplication Strategies Teaching Slides

Introduce your students to different multiplication strategies such as arrays, equal groups, repeated addition and skip counting with this 34-page slide deck.