Area Model Multiplication Worksheet

This 4th grade sheet has 9 area model problems. In Part A students multiply a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number in two boxes, and in Part B a 2-digit by 2-digit product in four boxes, with the place value parts already written. In Part C students split both numbers themselves. No number has a zero digit, so every box holds a partial product.

Grade: Grade 4
Problems: 9
Time: About 20 minutes
Standard: 4.NBT.B.5

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Two pages: the worksheet, then the answer key. No sign-up needed.

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Part A: 2-digit × 1-digit Fill in each box. Then add the boxes.

89 × 4
80 9
4 320 36
Total: 356
72 × 8
70 2
8 560 16
Total: 576
59 × 4
50 9
4 200 36
Total: 236

	80	9
4	320	36

	70	2
8	560	16

	50	9
4	200	36

Part B: 2-digit × 2-digit Fill in each box. Then add the boxes.

34 × 43
30 4
40 1,200 160
3 90 12
Total: 1,462
65 × 22
60 5
20 1,200 100
2 120 10
Total: 1,430
29 × 16
20 9
10 200 90
6 120 54
Total: 464

	30	4
40	1,200	160
3	90	12

	60	5
20	1,200	100
2	120	10

	20	9
10	200	90
6	120	54

Part C: Draw your own Split both numbers by place value, fill the boxes, then add.

75 × 18
70 5
10 700 50
8 560 40
Total: 1,350
87 × 16
80 7
10 800 70
6 480 42
Total: 1,392
81 × 46
80 1
40 3,200 40
6 480 6
Total: 3,726

	70	5
10	700	50
8	560	40

	80	7
10	800	70
6	480	42

	80	1
40	3,200	40
6	480	6

Tips for teachers and parents

Start with the parts: 89 is 80 and 9, so the rectangle is split into an 80 column and a 9 column. The side works the same way.
Each box is one multiplication of two parts. Use multiplying multiples of 10 for the big box: 40 × 30 = 1,200.
Add the boxes at the end. Adding the largest box first and the ones box last keeps the place values straight.
Compare with the standard algorithm: the boxes hold the same numbers as the rows of the written method, just drawn as a picture.

Common mistakes

Splitting 75 into 7 and 5 instead of 70 and 5. Ask: what is the 7 really worth?
Multiplying across a row and down a column but leaving one box empty. An area model for two 2-digit numbers always has four boxes to add.

What to practice next

Once the boxes feel easy, try the same problems with the standard method on the 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

What is area model multiplication?

A way to multiply by drawing a rectangle split by place value. Each box holds a partial product, and the sum of the boxes is the answer.

Is the box method the same as partial products?

Yes. Both find the same four products and add them; the area model shows them as parts of a rectangle.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, page 2 of the PDF shows every box, the split numbers in Part C, and the total for all 9 problems.