Multiplication — 4th Grade Lesson
Students will multiply multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.
4th Grade · Multiplication · ~25 min lesson
Review: multiplication facts
Multi-digit multiplication uses the facts you already know (0–12) plus place value. Master the facts first, then the algorithm.
Multiplying by multiples of 10
Multiply by the number, then attach the zero(s).
45 × 10 = 450 23 × 30 = (23 × 3) × 10 = 69 × 10 = 690
1-digit × 2-digit (regrouping)
Multiply the ones, carry, then multiply the tens.
23 × 4: 4 × 3 = 12 (write 2, carry 1) 4 × 2 = 8 + 1 = 9 → 92
1-digit × 3-digit
Same steps, one more place.
4 × 123: 4 × 3 = 12 (write 2, carry 1), 4 × 2 = 8 + 1 = 9, 4 × 1 = 4 → 492
2-digit × 2-digit
Multiply by the ones digit, then by the tens digit (add a zero placeholder), then add the two partial products.
23 × 14: 23 × 4 = 92 23 × 10 = 230 (with the zero placeholder) 92 + 230 = 322
The zero placeholder rule
Any time you multiply by the tens digit, the second row starts with 0 in the ones place.
How to practice at home
- Estimate first: “about how big should the answer be?”
- Break it apart: 23 × 14 = (23 × 10) + (23 × 4).
- Check with a calculator after solving.
- Real problems: tickets × seats, rows × chairs, bags × items.
Practice with the exercises above, then download these free printable worksheets:
Practice Exercises
Try these on your own, then reveal the answer to check.
What is 23 × 4?
💡 4 × 3 = 12 (write 2, carry 1), 4 × 2 = 8 + 1 = 9.
What is 10 × 45?
💡 Multiplying by 10 adds a zero.
What is 12 × 3?
💡 3 × 2 = 6, 3 × 1 = 3.
When multiplying 23 × 14, the second line starts with what place holder?
💡 Because you're multiplying by the tens digit (1 ten).
What is 32 × 10?
💡 Add a zero when multiplying by 10.
A theater has 45 rows with 20 seats each. How many seats total?
💡 45 × 20 = 45 × 2 × 10 = 90 × 10 = 900.
Printable Worksheets
Put this lesson into practice with free, printable worksheets — each with an answer key.
Before You Start
- Multiplication facts to 12
- Place value and regrouping
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Forgetting to add a zero placeholder when multiplying by the tens digit
- Multiplying all digits by each other at once instead of one place at a time
What to Learn Next
Browse more Multiplication worksheets or explore all 4th Grade worksheets.
Related Worksheets
2-Digit by 2-Digit Multiplication Worksheet
Build fluency with multi-digit multiplication by multiplying two-digit numbers, then adding the partial products.
3-Digit by 1-Digit Multiplication Worksheet
Multiply three-digit numbers by a single digit, carrying when a column is 10 or more.
Multiplying by Multiples of 10 Worksheet
Multiply one-digit numbers by multiples of 10 using a basic fact, then place value.
2-Digit by 1-Digit Multiplication Worksheet
Use this free printable worksheet to help 3rd grade students practice multiplying 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers.
Multiplication Facts to 12 Worksheet
Practice mixed multiplication facts through 12 x 12 to build times-table fluency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiplication does a 4th grader learn?
Multi-digit multiplication: multiplying a 1-digit number by a 2- or 3-digit number, and 2-digit by 2-digit using the standard algorithm (sometimes called regrouping multiplication).
Why do we add a zero on the second line?
When you multiply by the tens digit, you're really multiplying by tens (like 10 or 20). The zero is a placeholder that keeps the digits in the right place values.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.