What is the grid method? (2024)

What is the grid method? (1)

We explain what the grid method is, how it is taught in primary-school maths and how it is used to multiply a two-digit number by a one-, two- or three-digit numbers, when multiplying amounts of money and when multiplying decimals.

What is the grid method (or box method of multiplication)?

The grid method is a written method used to teach children multiplication. It involves partitioning numbers into tens and units before they are multiplied.

In some schools the grid method is referred to as the box method of multiplication because children learn to partition numbers into a grid of boxes.

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Multiplying a one-digit number by a two-digit number with the grid method

Teachers often start teaching the grid method in Year 3 when showing children how to multiply a two-digit number by a one-digit number. For example: they would demonstrate how to work out 37 x 5 by partitioning the numbers and putting them in a grid, then multiplying each one in turn:
What is the grid method? (4)
The answers of each multiplication calculation (150 and 35) then need to be added, to find the answer, which is 185.

Multiplying a two-digit number by a two-digit number with the grid method

Children need to have the following skills before moving onto this next stage of the grid method:

  • Good knowledge of times tables
  • Able to multiply any number by 10
  • Able to multiply a one-digit number by a multiple of ten (for example: 5 x 70, 2 x 30, 4 x 80 etc.)
  • Able to multiply two multiples of ten (for example: 50 x 20, 80 x 30, 60 x 40 etc.)
  • A reliable written method for adding fournumbers (some three-digit)

In Years 4 and 5 children move onto multiplying a two-digit number by another two-digit number.

Look at the following number sentence:38 x 62 =
Each number would be partitioned into tens and units and placed in the grid.The numbers in the left-hand column would then be multiplied by each of the numbers in the top row and the answers written in the blank squares as follows:
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The four numbers would then be added, using whichever method the child is familiar with.

Multiplying a three-digit number by a one-digit number with the grid method

In Years 4 and 5, children are expected to be able to multiply a three-digit number by a one-digit number. This can also be done using the grid method:

482 x 6 =
Again, the numbers need to be partitioned up and put in a grid.Then the 6 is multiplied by each of the three numbers to make the answers.The numbers then need to be added to produce the answer.
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Multiplying amounts of money with the grid method

This method can be useful to children in Year 3 and 4 who are having to work out, for example, the cost of 3 books, each costing £2.63:
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It is very important when using the grid method to multiply amounts of money that children remember to keep writing £ or p next to the numbers so that they do not get confused about which unit of money they are dealing with.

Multiplying a decimal by a one-digit number with the grid method

Children in Year 6are also expected to multiply decimals by one-digit numbers. Before moving onto this, children should be able to multiply decimals such as 0.5, 0.3, 0.8 etc. by a single-digit number mentally. This is a good way to teach this:

0.4 x 7 =

  • First work out 4 x 7 = 28
  • Then, because the 4 was actually 0.4, the answer needs to be divided by ten, so the answer is 2.8.

If a child was asked to multiply 5.9 x 3, they could do this using the grid method in the following way:
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Multiplying a three- or four-digit number by a two-digit number with the grid method

In Year 6, children are expected to multiply numbers of up to four digits by two-digit numbers. If they used the grid method to do this, they would do it as follows:
What is the grid method? (10)

However usually, at this stage, a child would use long multiplication (also called column multiplication) as a quicker method for these larger numbers.

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What is the grid method? (2024)

FAQs

How do you explain the grid method? ›

What is grid method multiplication? Grid method multiplication is a written multiplication method that involves partitioning numbers into ones, tens, hundreds, etc. It is called the 'grid method' because the calculation is laid out into a grid, with one row and column for each place value.

What is the grid method in art? ›

The grid method is a technique used in art that involves dividing an image into a series of smaller, more manageable sections using a grid. A grid is typically drawn over the reference image, and then students use the grid to draw the image on their own piece of paper, carefully replicating each section of the grid.

What is the grid method approach? ›

The Grid Method is a framework that helps teachers break up curriculum into bite-sized chunks. These chunks are tiered and scaffolded, so students can work through a mastery-based learning pathway at their own pace.

What is the grid method of teaching math? ›

Grid Method in Maths Definition

It involves partitioning numbers according to their place value and then multiplying them together. At school, the grid method is taught because it makes multiplying numbers easier by breaking them into their separate place values and multiplying them step-by-step.

How do you use the grid method for dummies? ›

In a nutshell, the grid method involves drawing a grid over your reference photo, and then drawing a grid of equal ratio on your work surface (paper, canvas, wood panel, etc). Then you draw the image on your canvas, focusing on one square at a time, until the entire image has been transferred.

Why do people use the grid method? ›

One of the best things about using the grid method is that you can accurately place your image as well as save time. As you use this approach regularly, you'lll start to improve your drawing skills as well as your handling of the medium and will notice how you naturally you start to draw more freehand.

What famous artists use the grid method? ›

Throughout history, many famous artists have used the grid method for drawing, including the ancient Egyptians, Leonardo Da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, M.C. Escher, and Vincent Van Gogh.

What is the grid rule in art? ›

It works by dividing an image into nine equal parts, using two horizontal and two vertical lines, creating a grid. By aligning key elements along these lines or at their intersecting points, the rule of thirds helps create balanced, engaging compositions.

How do you calculate grid method drawing? ›

Take your sheet of paper, measure the top and divide into the same number of divisions as you had squares. Do the same for the height. Now connect the marks to produce your grid of squares, which will now automatically size-up your drawing or photo to the correct dimensions.

What is the grid method also known as? ›

Grid method multiplication, also known as the box method, is a written method used for multiplication calculations. It can be used from 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication up to 4-digit by 2-digit multiplication (this is all that is required in primary school).

How does the grid theory work? ›

The Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid model -- also known simply as the Blake Mouton Grid -- shows the degree to which a manager or leader focuses on production, people or both. Depending on where the person falls on the grid, their behavioral or managerial style can be determined.

What is grid theory in design? ›

Grid theory refers to a series of lines and structures defining the proportions of a website, graphic or presentation. This includes both straight lines that dictate the shape of a piece of work and more complex curves.

What is a grid method in art? ›

Basically, the Grid Method is easy but it is time consuming. It involves drawing a grid over your reference photo and then drawing a grid of equal ration onto your canvas, paper, or other substrate. Michael photocopies his images and draws a grid directly on the reference.

How to do grid methods? ›

Step 1: Partition the numbers into the grid. Image caption, Step 2: Start by multiplying the tens from each number together, and then multiply the tens from each number by the ones, so that all four sections of the grid are completed.

What is the grid method for kids? ›

The grid method is a written method used to teach children multiplication. It involves partitioning numbers into tens and units before they are multiplied. In some schools the grid method is referred to as the box method of multiplication because children learn to partition numbers into a grid of boxes.

How do you explain grid in math? ›

Grid: is evenly divided and equally spaced squares on a figure or flat surface. Math Grid: is another name for the coordinate plane consisting of a space of small squares, sometimes with an x-axis and y-axis. Coordinate Grid: A coordinate grid has two perpendicular lines or axes, labeled like number lines.

What is the grid and how does it work? ›

A vast network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution centers together make up the U.S. electric grid. The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for the energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances.

What is the grid () method? ›

The grid() method allows you to indicate the row and column positioning in its parameter list. Both row and column start from index 0. For example grid(row=1, column=2) specifies a position on the third column and second row of your frame or window.

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