Using the Doubling Strategy: Large Multiplication Worksheets provides your students with structured, meaningful practice in applying one of the most efficient strategies for large number multiplication. Designed for students who are building fluency with multiplication facts and developing flexible mental strategies, this resource focuses on using doubling to solve problems where one factor is 4, 8 or 16.

These worksheets are ideal for supporting students as they break multiplication problems into manageable steps using repeated doubling. Whether they are working independently, in pairs or with a small group, learners will benefit from the clear instructions, worked examples and differentiated levels of challenge included in the set. By explicitly showing each doubling step, students gain a deeper understanding of how repeated addition supports multiplication, while also boosting confidence and procedural fluency.

Perfect for Year 6 or for extension in earlier years, this resource complements your whole-class instruction and provides focused reinforcement of a key multiplication strategy. Use it to follow up lessons on strategy selection, introduce new methods during guided maths sessions or revise key skills before assessment.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop fluency with the doubling strategy for multiplication
• ✅ Break down multiplication problems into repeated steps
• ✅ Identify when doubling is the most efficient strategy
• ✅ Strengthen mental computation and working memory
• ✅ Build mathematical confidence through structured practice

What’s Included:

• 3 differentiated worksheets targeting varied number ranges:
• Worksheet 1: Two-digit numbers
• Worksheet 2: Two- and three-digit numbers
• Worksheet 3: Three- and four-digit numbers
• Worked examples to guide student understanding and support independence
• Answer key for quick checking, peer marking or teacher-led review

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (A4 for individual work, A3 for group collaboration)
• Pencils, highlighters or markers for working out and tracking steps
• Optional: calculators for checking final answers and fostering independence

How to Use:

• Start with a revision of doubling as a mental strategy
• Demonstrate how to break a problem into repeated doubling steps (e.g. x2, then x4, then x8)
• Assign worksheets based on student level or use all three across the week
• Encourage students to check their answers and explain their reasoning aloud

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a follow-up task after explicit teaching of multiplication strategies
• 💡 Assign as an independent or partner task during maths rotations
• 💡 Include in maths toolkits as part of a strategy revision pack
• 💡 Use answer keys for self-assessment or peer review to encourage metacognition

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model working out problems using a visualiser or whiteboard before assigning tasks
• 💛 Use colour-coding or arrows to help students visualise each doubling step clearly
• 💛 Pair with concrete materials (e.g. counters, blocks) for students needing additional support
• 💛 Encourage students to verbalise each doubling step to reinforce learning

This worksheet set is a powerful companion to our Strategies for Large Multiplication Posters, giving your students practical opportunities to apply what they’ve learned and deepen their understanding of multiplication through strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving.