Grade 3 · Free worked lesson
Multiplication Arrays for Grade 3
An array puts objects in equal rows and columns. In this third-grade lesson, use the rows to see what multiplication means before recalling a fact.
By the end, try reading an array, turning it around and splitting a larger fact into smaller facts.
1. Count equal rows
There are 3 rows with 4 dots in each row. Add 4 + 4 + 4, or multiply 3 × 4. Both give 12 dots.
Say what each number means: 3 groups of 4. Each row must have the same number of objects for it to be an array.
2. Turn the array around
Now arrange the same 12 dots as 4 rows of 3. The groups look different, but the total has not changed: 4 × 3 = 12 and 3 × 4 = 12.
A common mix-up
For 3 rows of 4, adding 3 + 4 gives 7. That counts the row number and the row size, not all the objects. Add 4 three times, or count every dot, to check the product of 12.
3. Split a fact you do not know yet
For 6 × 7, separate the array into 5 rows of 7 and 1 more row of 7. Use 5 × 7 = 35, then add 7: 35 + 7 = 42.
Try this with counters or a quick drawing. You can explain how you found 42, as well as remember the fact.
Check your understanding
Work out each answer before opening it.
Two rows have five counters in each row. How many counters?
2 × 5 = 10 counters. Add 5 + 5 to check.
Six bags have four marbles in each bag. How many marbles?
6 × 4 = 24 marbles. Five bags hold 20 and one more holds 4: 20 + 4 = 24.
Three equal rows contain 18 dots. How many dots are in each row?
6 dots in each row, because 3 × 6 = 18. This is a missing-factor question: 3 × ? = 18.
Put the idea into practice
The free multiplication sample includes this idea alongside related skills. It has five fixed questions and an explanation after every answer.
Play the free sampleGrade 3 Multiplication Games · Grade 3 Math Games
Examples and answers checked on 30 October 2026. Report a question about this lesson.