Year 3

Multiplication • Primary Maths

Year 3 Multiplication

You do not have to count every counter. Look for smaller facts you know and use them to work out 6 × 4.

Open Year 3 lessons All Multiplication

3 × 4 = 12

Maths at a glance

See the Year 3 idea

Fact8 × 4 = 32

Related4 × 8 = 32

Scale23 × 3 = 69

Inverse32 ÷ 4 = 8

Try it together

Three ways to work out 6 × 4

6 groups of 4 = ?

1 Count the rows

Make 6 rows of 4 counters. Count in fours: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24.

6 × 4 = 24

2 Use five groups and one

Five groups of four make 20. Add one more group of four.

(5 × 4) + 4 = 24

3 Double three groups

3 × 4 = 12
12 + 12 = 24

Split the six groups into two sets of three groups. Each set has 12 counters. Double 12.

6 × 4 = 24

Your turn

Have a go

Choose a method. Work it out on paper or with objects, then check below.

1. 7 × 4

Show answer 1

28 — Use 5 × 4 = 20 and 2 × 4 = 8.

2. 6 × 3

Show answer 2

18 — Double 3 × 3 = 9.

For teachers and parents

Cover the last row of the array. Ask, “How can five rows help you work out six rows?”

A point to check

6 × 4 means six equal groups of four in this example. Adding 6 + 4 does not count all the counters.

Need an easier starting point?

Build 2 × 4 and 3 × 4 with counters. Say how many groups you have and how many are in each.

Year 3 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.

Choose your practice

Equal groups and arrays: interactive lesson 34 · worksheet 34
Three-times facts: interactive lesson 39 · worksheet 39
Four-times facts: interactive lesson 41 · worksheet 41

The examples and short practice above are free to use. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.

From the Year 3 pathway

Learning focus

Lesson 34Review equal groups and arrays

Lesson 35Connect multiplication with repeated addition

Lesson 37Multiplication and division facts for 2

Lesson 39Multiplication and division facts for 3

Lesson 41Multiplication and division facts for 4

Lesson 43Multiplication and division facts for 5

Key skills

What learners practise

equal groups and arraysconnect multiplication with repeated additionmultiplication and division facts for 2multiplication and division facts for 3multiplication and division facts for 4

Ready to practise Year 3 multiplication?

Choose a lesson from the Year 3 learning pathway.

Year 3 lessons