How to use the short multiplication method

Key points

is a method using columns to set out and calculate a multiplication.
Short multiplication is an extension of times-tables and enables a faster solution to a problem than repeated addition.
To use the short multiplication method, you need to be able to recall times-tables up to 9 x 9 and be confident in adding any carried digits in your working.
In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual is calculated.

To multiply a 3-digit by a single digit number:

Set out the calculation and align the digits to the right. Write the multiplication .
Multiply each digit of the 3-digit number by the single digit.
Only a single digit can be placed in each column of the answer space.
Carry digits to the next column if necessary.

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Use short multiplication to calculate 213 x 3
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To set out the calculation, list 213 and 3 vertically and make sure the digits are aligned to the right. Write the multiplication operator and draw the answer space.
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Each digit in 213 must be multiplied by 3. 3 x 3 (3 x 3 units), 3 x 1 (3 x 1 ten) and 3 x 2 (3 x 2 hundreds). In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual product is calculated.
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Start with 3 x 3. 3 x 3 is 9. Write the answer aligned to the right in the answer space.
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Now work out 3 x 1 ten. 3 x 10 is 30. Write 3 in the tens column in the answer space.
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Now work out 3 x 2 hundreds. 3 x 200 is 600. Write 6 in the hundreds column in the answer space.
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The working is complete. Write the answer clearly. 213 x 3 = 639

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Use short multiplication to calculate 172 x 5
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List 172 and 5 vertically aligned to the right. Write the multiplication operator and draw the answer space.
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Each digit in 172 must be multiplied by 5. 5 x 2 (5 x 2 units), 5 x 7 (5 x 7 tens) and 5 x 1 (5 x 1 hundred). In short multiplication the answer is built up as each individual product is calculated.
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Start with 5 x 2. 5 x 2 is 10. Write 0 aligned to the right in the answer space and carry the 1 to the tens column.
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Now work out 5 x 7 tens. 5 x 70 is 350, add the carried 1 ten to give 360. Write 6 in the tens column in the answer space and carry the 3 hundreds to the hundreds column.
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Now work out 5 x 1 hundred. 5 x 100 is 500, add the carried 3 hundreds to make 800. Write 8 in the hundreds column in the answer space.
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The working is complete. Write the answer clearly. 172 x 5 = 860

Use short multiplication to calculate 5802 x 7. You may want to use a pen and paper for this calculation.

Try this quiz to practise short multiplication. You may want to use a pen and paper to help you answer the questions in this quiz.

Short multiplication is an extension of times-tables and allows a faster solution to a problem than repeated addition.

A baker who bakes cupcakes daily may use short multiplication to work out the number of cupcake cases needed each working week so they can organise supplies.