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Maths In Games

Minecraft vs LEGO: which has better array maths?

Compare digital blocks and physical bricks to show rows, columns, area and multiplication.

Quick answer

Both Minecraft and LEGO are excellent for learning array maths – the rows, columns, and area of groups. Minecraft uses digital blocks in a grid, while LEGO uses physical bricks that you can touch and count. Both help children understand multiplication and area in fun, hands-on ways.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use rows and columns to build arrays in Minecraft and LEGO, and how to count the total number of blocks or bricks in those arrays. Success signs:
  • You can make a 3 by 4 array using blocks or bricks
  • You can count how many blocks are in each row and column
  • You can find the total number of blocks using multiplication
  • You can compare Minecraft and LEGO arrays

Why this matters

Arrays are a powerful way to understand multiplication and area. Whether you're building a house in Minecraft or a castle in LEGO, you’re using arrays. Learning arrays helps you understand how things are arranged in rows and columns – which is useful in puzzles, games, cooking, and even in science and art.

How it works

Arrays are just rows and columns of objects. In Minecraft, you can build a 3 by 4 array by placing 3 rows of 4 blocks each. In LEGO, you can make the same 3 by 4 array by stacking 3 rows of 4 bricks. The total number of blocks or bricks is 3 × 4 = 12. Each row has the same number of blocks or bricks. Each column also has the same number. Arrays help us see how multiplication works.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how arrays work in Minecraft and LEGO. Minecraft array example: Imagine you’re building a fence in Minecraft. You make 3 rows of 4 wooden blocks each.
Row 1 Row 2 Row 3
🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵 🪵
That’s 3 rows and 4 columns. Total = 3 × 4 = 12 wooden blocks. LEGO array example: Now, imagine you’re making a LEGO pattern. You place 5 rows of 3 bricks each.
Row 1 Row 2 Row 3 Row 4 Row 5
🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱 🧱
That’s 5 rows and 3 columns. Total = 5 × 3 = 15 bricks.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build a Garden You are a builder in a Minecraft world and you want to make a garden. You decide to plant flowers in a grid. 1st time: You make a 2 by 3 array of flower blocks. 2nd time: You make a 4 by 2 array of flower blocks. 3rd time: You make a 3 by 5 array of flower blocks. Now, how many flower blocks did you use in total? Answer: 1st time: 2 × 3 = 6 blocks 2nd time: 4 × 2 = 8 blocks 3rd time: 3 × 5 = 15 blocks Total = 6 + 8 + 15 = 29 flower blocks Now try it with LEGO bricks. Use the same arrays, but with bricks instead of blocks.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting each block separately instead of grouping by rows or columns.
    Why it happens: Children are used to counting one by one.
    Fix: Show rows and columns first, then count each group, then multiply.
  • Mistake: Thinking that 3 by 4 is the same as 4 by 3, and getting confused.
    Why it happens: Children may not see the difference in orientation.
    Fix: Show both arrays and explain that they have the same total but look different.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that arrays must have equal rows and columns.
    Why it happens: Children may build a random shape.
    Fix: Ask “Are all rows the same size?” and “Are all columns the same size?”

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Building arrays with your child in Minecraft or LEGO
  • Asking questions like “How many rows do you see?” and “How many blocks are in each row?”
  • Using everyday objects like fruit or toys to make arrays
  • Practising multiplication facts while building
  • Encouraging children to describe their arrays to you
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes – they’re part of learning. Focus on the fun of building and the thinking behind it.

Practice questions

  1. Make a 4 by 5 array in Minecraft. How many blocks are there?
  2. Build a 3 by 6 array in LEGO. How many bricks are there?
  3. Compare a 2 by 7 array and a 7 by 2 array. Are they the same total?
  4. Make a 5 by 3 array using 15 blocks. How many rows and columns do you have?
  5. Draw an array of 3 rows and 4 columns. What is the total?
Answers:
  1. 4 × 5 = 20 blocks
  2. 3 × 6 = 18 bricks
  3. Yes, both equal 14
  4. 5 rows and 3 columns
  5. 3 × 4 = 12

FAQ

What is an array in maths?
An array is a way to arrange objects in rows and columns. It helps us see multiplication and area more clearly.

How can I use arrays in Minecraft?
In Minecraft, you can build rows of blocks and see how many blocks are in each row. Then you can multiply to find the total.

How can I use arrays in LEGO?
With LEGO, you can build rows of bricks and count how many bricks are in each row. Then you multiply to find the total.

Why are arrays useful?
Arrays help us understand multiplication, area, and patterns. They are used in puzzles, games, and real life.

Can I use arrays for big numbers?
Yes! Arrays work for any number. For example, a 10 by 6 array has 60 objects total.