2-digit by 1-digit multiplication, step by step

To multiply a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number, multiply the tens and the ones separately and add: 47 × 6 = 40 × 6 + 7 × 6 = 240 + 42 = 282. The written method does the same with carrying. This page shows both with pictures, has a step-by-step tool, and covers the mistakes children make.

The big idea: split the number

47 is 40 + 7. Six lots of 47 are six lots of 40 plus six lots of 7. An area model draws this as a rectangle split into two parts.

4040 × 6 = 24077 × 6 = 426
47 × 6 = 240 + 42 = 282 (not to scale).

Two ways to write it

Partial products

Write each part on its own line: 7 × 6 = 42, 40 × 6 = 240, then add: 282. Good for understanding.

Standard method (with carrying)

  1. Multiply the ones: 6 × 7 = 42. Write 2, carry 4.
  2. Multiply the tens: 6 × 4 = 24, add the carried 4: 28. Write 28.
  3. Answer: 282.

Long multiplication step by step

Type any problem, like 47 × 6.

Worked examples

23 × 3 (no carrying)

3 × 3 = 9, 3 × 2 = 6: 69.

36 × 4

4 × 6 = 24, write 4 carry 2. 4 × 3 = 12, + 2 = 14: 144.

58 × 7

7 × 8 = 56, write 6 carry 5. 7 × 5 = 35, + 5 = 40: 406.

Mental: 25 × 4

20 × 4 = 80 and 5 × 4 = 20: 100.

Common mistakes

47 × 6 = 2,442Wrote each product in full without carrying (24 and 42).Fix: write the ones digit and carry the tens.
47 × 6 = 248Forgot to add the carried 4.Fix: add the carry after multiplying the tens.
47 × 6 = 66Added instead of multiplied, or multiplied only the ones.Fix: multiply both digits.
No estimateAn answer 10 times too big goes unnoticed.Fix: 47 × 6 is about 50 × 6 = 300.

How to teach it at home

Shop in packs

Four packs of 24 cans: 20 × 4 + 4 × 4 = 96.

Double and double again

× 4 is double-double: 36 → 72 → 144.

Times table first

This skill depends on fluent facts. Five minutes of tables a day pays off here.

By grade

Worksheets and practice

2-digit by 1-digit multiplication worksheet, page 1

2-digit by 1-digit multiplication worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test

All multiplication

Last reviewed

Questions parents ask

How do you multiply a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number?

Multiply the ones, then the tens, and add, carrying when needed. 47 × 6: 6 × 7 = 42 (write 2, carry 4), 6 × 4 = 24 + 4 = 28, so 282.

What is the area model?

A rectangle split into the tens and ones of the number. Each part is multiplied, and the parts are added: 47 × 6 = 240 + 42.

What are partial products?

The separate products you add up: for 47 × 6 they are 40 × 6 = 240 and 7 × 6 = 42.

Why do you carry in multiplication?

Because a product like 42 is 4 tens and 2 ones. The 4 tens belong in the tens column.

What grade learns 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication?

Grade 4 (4.NBT.B.5), building on grade 3 times tables.