Count equal groups
4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Make three groups with four counters in each. Add the group sizes: four, eight, twelve. There are 12 counters altogether. Equal group sizes are what make this a multiplication problem.
Primary Maths • Years 0–6
Multiplication Resources
Build equal groups, arrays and times facts.
Maths at a glance
See the idea
Equal groups3 groups of 4
Number sentence3 × 4 = 12
Times fact6 × 7 = 42
Larger numbers23 × 6
Build multiplication from equal groups
How many counters are in 3 groups of 4?
Arrange an array
3 rows × 4 counters = 12 counters
Move the counters into three rows of four. Each row represents one group. Rotate the array to see four rows of three: the total stays 12, showing why 3 × 4 and 4 × 3 have the same product.
Use a known fact
(2 × 4) + (1 × 4) = 8 + 4 = 12
If two fours are eight, one more four makes twelve. Breaking a new fact into facts learners already know helps them explain an answer instead of guessing or memorising it without meaning.
Try it with your learner
Build 5 groups of 4. Use 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4, an array, or (3 × 4) + (2 × 4) to find 20. Then explain how 20 ÷ 4 = 5 describes the same counters.
A common mistake to discuss
3 × 4 does not mean 3 + 4. Three groups of four contains twelve objects, while adding three objects and four objects gives seven. Ask learners to build both with counters and compare.
Choose a next step:
Year and grade labels differ between countries. Choose resources by the skills your learner is ready to practise.
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Learning pathway
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Key skills
What learners practise
making and recognising equal groupsconnecting repeated addition with multiplicationreading and building arraysdeveloping times-table facts through patternsusing commutative and distributive relationshipsmultiplying larger numbers with place value
Teaching tips
- Build arrays with counters or drawings and ask what each dimension represents.
- Link new facts to known facts, such as using 5 × 7 to help find 6 × 7.
- Practise number facts and ask learners to explain why they work.
Ready to practise?
Open the Year 0–6 lesson pathway.