Column Multiplication – Step-by-Step Method
Column multiplication (also called short multiplication) is the standard written method for multiplying a large number by a single digit.
The Method
- Write the larger number at the top, the single digit below the ones column.
- Multiply the ones digit and write the ones of the answer; carry any tens.
- Move left digit by digit, adding any carry to each product.
Try It: 76 × 8
Working column
Carry
Result digit
Click Step 1 or Auto Play to begin!
76 × 8 = 608
Multiply each digit starting from the ones column, carrying into the next column just as you would carry in column addition.
Multiply each digit starting from the ones column, carrying into the next column just as you would carry in column addition.
Worked Example: 347 × 6
Step by Step
Ones: 7 × 6 = 42. Write 2, carry 4.
Tens: 4 × 6 = 24, +4 carry = 28. Write 8, carry 2.
Hundreds: 3 × 6 = 18, +2 carry = 20. Write 20.
Answer: 2,082
Worked Example: 2,486 × 7
Step by Step
6×7=42 → write 2, carry 4.
8×7=56+4=60 → write 0, carry 6.
4×7=28+6=34 → write 4, carry 3.
2×7=14+3=17 → write 17.
Answer: 17,402
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to add the carry to the next column.
- Mis-aligning digits when writing the answer.
Key Takeaways
- Work from right to left (ones first).
- Always carry correctly — write it small above the next column.
- Estimate first to check the answer is reasonable.
Practice: Column Multiply
A multi-digit number times a single digit is shown below. If you get it wrong (or leave it blank), we'll go through it column by column.
Calculate the product.