Help your students build strong, flexible multiplication skills with our Multiplication Strategies: The Box Method Worksheets! This clear and structured resource supports learners in developing their understanding of the box method (area model) for solving two- and three-digit multiplication problems. The box method provides an excellent visual framework to reinforce place value, partitioning, and distributive reasoning, helping students see multiplication in a meaningful and organised way.

Using the box method, students partition each number in the equation into expanded form and then systematically multiply each part using a visual grid. They record each partial product in the grid, before combining the partial products to find the total. This approach supports number sense and place value understanding while building confidence with multi-digit multiplication.

Multiplication Strategies: The Box Method Worksheets can be used in whole-class maths lessons, small group learning, or as an independent practise activity. It is ideal for helping students visualise multiplication and understand how the distributive property works. The box method also complements other multiplication strategies, making it a valuable addition to your multiplication toolkit.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand and apply the box method for solving multiplication problems
• ✅ Partition numbers into expanded form using place value
• ✅ Multiply each part systematically and record partial products
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of the distributive property of multiplication
• ✅ Develop visual and flexible strategies for multi-digit multiplication

What’s Included:

• Worksheets scaffolding the use of the box method:
  • Multiplying two-digit numbers using the box method
  • Multiplying three-digit numbers using the box method
• Box grids and recording lines to guide student work
• Clear layout that supports step-by-step problem solving

Materials Needed:

• Printed Multiplication Strategies: The Box Method Worksheets
• Pencils and erasers
• Optional: grid paper or blank paper for drawing area models
• Optional: digital slides or concrete materials for initial demonstration

How to Use:

1. Begin by reviewing place value and expanded form with your class.
2. Model how to set up and use the box method using a visual demonstration (concrete example, digital slide, or drawn model).
3. Students partition each number in the equation and record them in expanded form across the box grid.
4. Students multiply the number at the top of each column by the number at the start of each row, recording the partial products in the grid.
5. Students write out and add the partial products using the lines beneath the grid to find the total.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during whole-class lessons to explicitly teach and model the box method.
• 💡 Include in maths rotations for targeted multiplication practise and strategy development.
• 💡 Provide as scaffolding for students who need additional support with multi-digit multiplication.
• 💡 Use as an extension activity to help students make connections between the box method and other multiplication strategies.
• 💡 Integrate into formative assessments to check student understanding of place value and distributive reasoning.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use grid paper to help students visually connect the box method to area models and reinforce place value.
• 💛 Encourage estimation at the start of each problem so students can check the reasonableness of their answers.
• 💛 Model clear recording and neat work to help students stay organised when working with multiple partial products.
• 💛 Provide opportunities for students to compare strategies and reflect on which approaches work best for different problems.

Multiplication Strategies: The Box Method Worksheets provides a practical and visual way for students to develop confidence and understanding with multi-digit multiplication. A must-have resource for building flexible and efficient mathematical thinking in your classroom!

This resource is ideal to use alongside the Strategies to Multiply Larger Numbers POWERPOINT and Strategies to Multiply Larger Numbers Posters resources.