Multiplication

What is multiplication?

Multiplication is a fast way to add equal amounts. 3 × 4 means “3 groups of 4,” and instead of adding 4 + 4 + 4 you can skip-count: 4, 8, 12. This tool shows that idea two ways at once — as a neat array of squares and as a set of equal groups — so the product you hear is the product you can see.

How to use this tool

• Set the two numbers with the Rows/Groups and Columns/In each group steppers (1–12).
• Choose Array to see rows and columns, or Equal groups to see counters gathered into groups.
• Press Play to build the answer one row or group at a time; each step skip-counts the running total aloud.
• Use Step to go one group at a time, Replay to watch again, and the speaker button to mute or unmute.

Why it helps

Seeing a fact as an array makes the commutative property obvious — 3 × 4 and 4 × 3 fill the same rectangle — while equal groups connect multiplication back to repeated addition. Hearing the skip-count (4, 8, 12) as each group appears links the picture, the words, and the numbers, which is exactly how the times tables move into long-term memory.

Good for

Grades 2–5: introducing multiplication with arrays and equal groups, practicing skip-counting, and building fluency with facts up to 12 × 12.