Single digit multiplication

Topic guide

What this worksheet practises

This worksheet provides practice on short multiplication, multiplying a multi-digit number by a single digit. This is a foundational arithmetic skill required for almost all non-calculator exams.

Key method

The standard column method works from right to left.

• Write the large number on top and the single digit directly underneath it, aligning the units columns on the right.
• Multiply the single digit by the Units digit of the top number. Write the answer underneath.
• If the answer is 10 or more, write down the units part of your answer, and "carry" the tens part to the next column on the left.
• Multiply the single digit by the next number along (the Tens). Add any number you carried over. Write the answer down.
• Repeat this process moving left until every top digit has been multiplied.

Worked example

Calculate 347 × 6.

Step 1: Multiply the units (7 × 6).

7 × 6 = 42. Write down the 2, carry the 4.

Step 2: Multiply the tens (4 × 6) and add the carried 4.

4 × 6 = 24. Add the carried 4 to get 28.

Write down the 8, carry the 2.

Step 3: Multiply the hundreds (3 × 6) and add the carried 2.

3 × 6 = 18. Add the carried 2 to get 20.

Because there are no more numbers to multiply, write down the whole 20.

The final answer is 2,082.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is forgetting to add the "carried" number. A student will correctly calculate 4 × 6 = 24, write down the 4, and completely ignore the little 4 they carried from the previous column. Always physically cross out your carried numbers once you have added them so you don't forget them.

How to check your answer

You can use a quick estimation to see if your answer is sensible. 347 is roughly 350. 350 × 2 = 700. So 350 × 6 will be 700 × 3 = 2100. Our answer of 2082 is very close to 2100, so it is highly likely to be correct.