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.
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 Questions
- Calculate 243 × 4.
- Calculate 578 × 6.
- Calculate 1,234 × 7.
- A factory packs 368 boxes per hour. How many boxes in 8 hours?
- Calculate 4,509 × 9.