Multiplication word problems worksheets
20 multiplication word problems, from equal groups and arrays to “times as many”, area, two-step problems and one division story to check that children read carefully.
Download the free multiplication word problems worksheet (PDF)
Multiplication word problems worksheet
What’s on the worksheet
- 20 questions on multiplication word problems, sized for US Letter paper
- 2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
- Written for grades 3–4, matching Common Core 3.OA.A.3, 4.OA.A.2, 4.OA.A.3
- Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work
Sample questions from this worksheet
- A box holds 6 crayons. How many crayons are in 7 boxes? Number sentence:
- Answer: There are 8 rows of chairs with 9 chairs in each row. How many chairs? Number sentence:
- Answer: A spider has 8 legs. How many legs do 6 spiders have? Number sentence:
- Answer: Pencils cost 7 each. How much do 9 pencils cost? Number sentence:
- Answer: How many days are there in 8 weeks? Number sentence:
- Answer: A garden is 9 m long and 6 m wide. What is its area? Number sentence:
Practice multiplication word problems online
Between worksheets, a few minutes on screen keeps the skill fresh:
- word problems lesson: 20 more problems and a quiz.
- estimating: check that an answer makes sense.
- times as many: the comparison problems.
Read each problem twice and draw a quick picture before writing a number sentence. The online quiz gives a fresh set of stories every time.
Preview the worksheet and answer key
Multiplication word problems: a worked example (8 rows of 9 chairs)
- Find what is being asked: the number of chairs.
- 8 rows with 9 in each row is 8 equal groups of 9.
- 8 × 9 = 72 chairs.
How to use it at home and in class
At home
Ask your child to draw a quick picture or bar model before writing the number sentence. Ten problems a day works better than a whole sheet at once. Mark them together with the answer key, then ask your child to explain one they got wrong: finding the mistake themselves is where the learning happens.
In class
Use the first row as a warm-up, a full page for independent practice, or five questions as an exit ticket. For a retake or a second group, make a new version with the test maker so every child gets different numbers.
Mistakes to watch for
- Multiplying every number in the story without reading the question.
- Stopping after the first step in a two-step problem.
What to practice before and after multiplication word problems
- Before: multiplication arrays. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
- After: multiplication properties, once this one is mostly right.
- Learn it first: the multiplication word problems lesson.
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Questions parents ask
How do I help my child with multiplication word problems?
Read the problem together twice, ask what the question is, draw the groups, then write the number sentence. The lesson page has 20 more problems with answers.
What grade is this multiplication word problems worksheet for?
It is written for grades 3–4 and matches Common Core standards 3.OA.A.3, 4.OA.A.2, 4.OA.A.3.
Can I get a different version of this multiplication word problems worksheet?
Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new multiplication word problems worksheet with different numbers every time. You choose how many questions, and every version comes with its own answer key.