X Tables
Times Table Methods

Times tables and area models

Use rectangles to make multiplication visible and prepare for multi-digit methods.

Quick answer

You can use rectangles to show multiplication and make it easier to understand. This helps you learn times tables and prepares you for bigger maths problems later.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use rectangles to show multiplication and solve times table problems. Success signs:
  • You can draw rectangles to show multiplication facts
  • You can use rectangles to find the answer to multiplication problems
  • You can explain how rectangles help you understand times tables
  • You can solve multiplication problems using rectangle models

Why this matters

Multiplication is a big part of maths, and rectangles help you see what's happening when you multiply. This way of thinking helps you with bigger multiplication problems later, like 23 x 4. It also helps you understand how area works in real life – like when you're planning a garden or painting a wall.

How it works

Multiplication with rectangles works like this:
  1. Think of multiplication as groups of things
  2. Draw a rectangle where one side shows how many groups there are
  3. Draw the other side to show how many things are in each group
  4. The total number of squares inside the rectangle is your answer

Examples you can see

Let’s look at 4 x 3 using rectangles:
  • Draw a rectangle
  • One side is 4 units long (showing 4 groups)
  • The other side is 3 units long (showing 3 items in each group)
  • Count all the small squares inside
  • There are 12 squares – so 4 x 3 = 12
Let’s try 5 x 6:
  • Draw a rectangle
  • One side is 5 units long
  • The other side is 6 units long
  • Count all the small squares
  • There are 30 squares – so 5 x 6 = 30
Here’s how it looks with a table:
Number of groupsItems per groupTotal items
4312
5630

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a garden designer. You have a space that is 7 metres wide and 8 metres long. You want to plant flowers in rows. Each row is 8 metres long and 1 metre wide.
  1. How many flower beds can you fit in your garden?
  2. Draw a rectangle to show this
  3. One side is 7 metres (width)
  4. The other side is 8 metres (length)
  5. Count the total area
  6. Answer: 7 x 8 = 56 flower beds

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to count all the squares inside the rectangle
    Why it happens: You might only count one row or one column
    Fix: Count carefully, or use a ruler to help you see all the squares
  • Mistake: Mixing up which side is the number of groups and which is the number in each group
    Why it happens: You might not think carefully about what each side means
    Fix: Always think: “How many rows?” and “How many in each row?”
  • Mistake: Thinking that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 x 4, but not understanding why
    Why it happens: You might not see that the rectangles can be turned around
    Fix: Draw both rectangles to see they have the same number of squares

Parent and carer guide

To help your child:
  • Draw rectangles together to show multiplication
  • Use everyday objects like blocks, toys, or food to make groups
  • Ask your child to explain how they counted the squares
  • Encourage them to draw their own rectangles for times tables
  • Don’t worry if they make mistakes – that’s how they learn

Practice questions

  1. Draw a rectangle for 6 x 4. How many squares are inside?
  2. Draw a rectangle for 9 x 2. How many squares are inside?
  3. Draw a rectangle for 3 x 7. How many squares are inside?
  4. Draw a rectangle for 8 x 5. How many squares are inside?
  5. Draw a rectangle for 10 x 3. How many squares are inside?
Answers:
  1. 24 squares
  2. 18 squares
  3. 21 squares
  4. 40 squares
  5. 30 squares

FAQ

What is the connection between rectangles and multiplication?
Rectangles help show multiplication as groups. One side shows how many groups, and the other shows how many items in each group.

Can I use this method for any multiplication?
Yes! You can use rectangles for any multiplication problem, even big ones like 12 x 8.

Why do we learn multiplication with rectangles?
It helps you understand what multiplication really means, not just memorize facts.

How can I practice this at home?
Use grid paper, draw rectangles, or use toys to make groups and count.

What if I forget my times tables?
You can always use rectangles to figure out the answer.