Grade 4: Multi-Digit Multiplication
To multiply two 2-digit numbers, we can break each number into tens and ones and multiply the parts separately — this is the area model (or box method). Add the four parts and you have the answer. Build a problem below and watch each part appear.
The Area Model
Split each number into tens and ones, write them along the top and side of a box, multiply to fill each cell, then add all the cells together.
Change the two numbers and watch the four partial products and the total update.
Worked Examples
Split each number into tens and ones, multiply to get the four parts, then add them. Read the parts top to bottom — the answer is just their sum.
- 20 × 10200
- 20 × 360
- 4 × 1040
- 4 × 312
- 30 × 20600
- 30 × 130
- 2 × 2040
- 2 × 12
- 40 × 20800
- 40 × 7280
- 6 × 20120
- 6 × 742
Test Yourself
Each exam below has 10 multiplication questions, and your answer is checked the moment you tap it — with a sound for right and wrong. There are 15 exams in all.
- Place Value & Large Numbers
- Multi-Digit Multiplication (this lesson)
- Long Division
- Factors, Multiples & Primes
- Equivalent & Comparing Fractions
- Decimals: Tenths & Hundredths
- Angles & Lines
- Area & Perimeter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the area model in multiplication?
The area model breaks each number into tens and ones and multiplies the parts in a box. Adding all the boxes gives the final product.
Why do we split numbers into tens and ones?
Splitting makes each multiplication a simple fact times a power of ten, which is much easier than multiplying two large numbers at once.
Is the area model the same as long multiplication?
Yes. They produce exactly the same partial products; the area model just shows them in a grid instead of stacked in columns.