2-Digit Multiplication

Practise multiplying two two-digit numbers using long multiplication — the standard column method, step by step.

Grades 4–5 · 5.NBT⚡ Long multiplication
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How to do 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication

Double-digit multiplication breaks one hard problem into two easy ones: multiply by the ones digit, multiply by the tens digit, then add. The only new idea is the placeholder zero that keeps the second row in the right column.

  1. Multiply the top number by the ones digit of the bottom number — that is your first partial product.
  2. On the next line, write a 0 in the ones column as a placeholder.
  3. Multiply the top number by the tens digit — that is your second partial product.
  4. Add the two partial products together.

Worked examples

Step by step34 × 27 — first 34×7 = 238; then 34×20 = 680. Add: 238 + 680 = 918.
A second one56 × 12 — 56×2 = 112; then 56×10 = 560. Add: 112 + 560 = 672.
AD AREA (parent reading zone only — never shown during practice)

Tips & common mistakes

The classic slip is forgetting the placeholder zero, which shifts the whole second row into the wrong columns. Keep your columns straight — lined paper turned sideways helps — and estimate first: 34×27 is roughly 30×27 = 810, so 918 is in range.

  • Missing the placeholder zero on the second row — the most common mistake by far.
  • Carrying errors inside each partial product (same skill as 2-digit×1-digit).
  • Adding the two rows out of alignment at the end.

Frequently asked questions

What method is this?

The standard algorithm, or long multiplication — two partial products added together. The box (area) method reaches the same answer if your child learned that instead.

What grade is double-digit multiplication?

It is introduced in grade 4 and mastered in grade 5.

What’s the most common mistake?

Forgetting the placeholder zero when multiplying by the tens digit, which throws off the place value of the second row.

How do we check the answer?

Round and estimate: 34×27 ≈ 30×30 = 900, which is close to 918, so it looks right.

Is the box method wrong then?

Not at all — it splits the numbers by place value and adds four smaller products. It is a great way to understand the standard method.

Keep practising

← All multiplication2-digit × 1-digitMulti-digit5th grade math

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