Multiplication, step by step

Equal groups. One total.

Multiplication counts equal groups.
3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4.

The question
Worked example3 × 4
4 + 4 + 4= 12

Count the groups.

  1. 01

    3 equal groups

    Each row is one group.

  2. 02

    4 in each group

    Add 4 for every row.

  3. 03

    12 altogether

    3 × 4 = 12.