Multiplication hiding in LEGO studs

Quick answer

Multiplication hiding in LEGO studs means that when you look closely at a LEGO brick, you can see that the studs (the tiny bumps on top) are arranged in equal groups. This is a perfect way to see multiplication in action, because each row of studs shows a group of the same number, and the total number of studs is the answer to a multiplication problem.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to see multiplication in the arrangement of LEGO studs, and you will be able to count the studs to solve multiplication problems.

• You can identify equal groups of studs on a LEGO brick
• You can use the number of rows and the number of studs in each row to find the total number of studs
• You can solve simple multiplication problems using LEGO bricks
• You can explain how multiplication works using the studs on a brick

Why this matters

Learning multiplication helps you solve problems quickly, like knowing how many cookies you’ll need for a party or how many blocks you need to build a wall. When you look at LEGO bricks, you can see multiplication in action every time you build. This makes multiplication feel real and fun, not just numbers on a page.

How it works

When you look at a LEGO brick, the studs (those little bumps on top) are arranged in rows and columns. If you count how many rows there are and how many studs are in each row, you can multiply those numbers to find the total number of studs.

1. Look at the top of a LEGO brick
2. Count how many rows of studs there are
3. Count how many studs are in each row
4. Multiply the number of rows by the number of studs in each row
5. That gives you the total number of studs

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a simple 2x2 LEGO brick. It has 2 rows, and each row has 2 studs. So, 2 rows × 2 studs = 4 studs total.

Now let’s try a bigger brick, like a 6x4 brick. It has 6 rows and 4 studs in each row. So, 6 × 4 = 24 studs.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a LEGO adventure! You are building a LEGO castle and need to know how many studs you have in each part of your castle.

1. Find a 3x3 LEGO brick
2. Count how many rows it has
3. Count how many studs are in each row
4. Multiply the rows by the studs per row
5. Write down the total number of studs

Now, try this with a 5x2 brick. How many studs are there?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Counting the studs in the rows and columns separately, instead of multiplying them together.
• Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused about what to do with the numbers you’ve counted.
• Fix: Remember that the total is found by multiplying the number of rows by the number of studs in each row.

• Mistake: Forgetting to count the studs in each row correctly.
• Why it happens: When you’re looking at a brick, it can be easy to skip one or count one twice.
• Fix: Use your finger to trace each row and count the studs carefully.

• Mistake: Thinking that the number of rows and the number of studs in each row are the same.
• Why it happens: The numbers can look similar, so it’s easy to mix them up.
• Fix: Write down the number of rows and the number of studs separately, then multiply them.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:

• Encouraging children to look closely at LEGO bricks and count the studs
• Using the brick to show how rows and columns make multiplication
• Practising with different-sized bricks to see how multiplication works
• Letting children draw or write down their findings to reinforce the learning
• Reinforcing that multiplication is just repeated addition (e.g., 3 rows of 4 studs is the same as 4 + 4 + 4)

Remember to be patient and celebrate small wins. It’s okay if a child counts wrong at first – it’s part of learning!

Practice questions

1. How many studs are on a 2x2 LEGO brick?
2. How many studs are on a 4x3 LEGO brick?
3. How many studs are on a 5x2 LEGO brick?
4. How many studs are on a 3x4 LEGO brick?
5. How many studs are on a 6x2 LEGO brick?

Answers:

1. 2 × 2 = 4 studs
2. 4 × 3 = 12 studs
3. 5 × 2 = 10 studs
4. 3 × 4 = 12 studs
5. 6 × 2 = 12 studs

FAQ

What is multiplication?

Multiplication is a way to add the same number many times. For example, 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4, which is the same as 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.

Why do LEGO studs help with learning multiplication?

LEGO studs are arranged in rows and columns, which makes it easy to see how multiplication works. You can count the rows and the studs in each row, then multiply to find the total.

Can I use any LEGO brick to learn multiplication?

Yes! Any LEGO brick with studs arranged in rows and columns can be used to practice multiplication. Even a small 1x1 brick shows 1 × 1 = 1.

How can I practice multiplication with LEGO bricks at home?

You can take different LEGO bricks, count the rows and studs, and multiply them. Try making a chart or drawing a picture of your brick and its multiplication problem.

Is there a fun way to learn multiplication?

Yes! You can play a game where you race to count the studs and multiply the rows and columns. You can also build with LEGO and count how many studs you used in each part of your creation.