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Long Multiplication: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 5
- ForYear 5
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Long Multiplication is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10). Children multiply a two digit number by another two digit number, using the written method. They practise lining up digits, using a zero placeholder and adding the two rows to find the total. Page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children meet a list of long multiplication calculations, each with space to work and write the answer. Every question multiplies by a two digit number. They multiply by the ones digit first, then by the tens digit with a zero placeholder, then add the two answers together. The sheet rewards neat setting out, careful place value and checking.
- 23 × 14 =
- 34 × 12 =
- 45 × 21 =
- 52 × 13 =
- 63 × 15 =
- 41 × 32 =
- 26 × 24 =
- 38 × 11 =
A worked example
27 × 16 =
This question is not on the sheet. It uses different numbers, so it shows the method without giving away any answer on the sheet.
Method 1: the written method- Write 27 above 16. Line up the ones digits and the tens digits.
- Multiply 27 by the ones digit, 6. 27 × 6 = 162. Write 162 in the first row.
- Write a zero in the ones column of the second row. It holds the place, because the next step multiplies by 10, not by 1.
- Multiply 27 by the tens digit, 1. 27 × 1 = 27, so the second row reads 270.
- Add the two rows. 162 + 270 = 432.
- Split 27 into 20 and 7. Split 16 into 10 and 6.
- Multiply each pair of parts. 20 × 10 = 200. 20 × 6 = 120. 7 × 10 = 70. 7 × 6 = 42.
- Add the four parts. 200 + 120 + 70 + 42 = 432.
Why the zero placeholder matters
In long multiplication, each digit of the second number has its own value. In 16, the 1 is not one. It is one ten, which is worth 10. So when we multiply by that digit, we are really multiplying by 10. The zero in the second row is not a trick. It shows that the answer in that row is a number of tens, not a number of ones.
Children who understand this make fewer slips. They can see why the second row is larger than it looks at first, and why the rows must be added at the end. Place value is the idea underneath the whole method. A quick estimate, using rounded numbers, helps children spot answers that are far too big or too small.
Skills and curriculum link
- Long multiplication
- Place value
- Times tables recall
- Adding two rows
- Accuracy
- Checking by estimating
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Maths | Multiplication and division | Year 5 |
What children will be able to do
- I can multiply by the ones digit first.
- I can multiply by the tens digit using a zero placeholder.
- I can add the two answers to get the total.
Ideas to help your child
- Lay out the workUse squared paper or turn lined paper sideways. One digit in each square keeps ones under ones and tens under tens.
- Know the tablesLong multiplication leans on times tables. If a table fact is shaky, say it aloud or check it before carrying on.
- Estimate firstRound each number to the nearest ten and multiply. This gives a rough size to compare the final answer against.
- Say the place valueAsk your child to say what the digit they are multiplying by is worth. A 1 in the tens place means ten, not one.
Key words
- DigitA single figure from 0 to 9. The number 34 has two digits.
- MultiplyFind the total of equal groups. 4 × 3 means four groups of 3.
- ProductThe answer when you multiply.
- Place valueThe value a digit has because of where it sits in a number.
- PlaceholderA zero that keeps a digit in the right column. It does not change the digits around it.
- Partial productOne part of the working, before the parts are added to give the final answer.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes, help ideas, stretch idea and answers.
- Work through the first question together. Ask your child to say each step aloud as they go.
- Let them try the next questions alone, using squared paper if the digits wander out of line.
- Check against the answers on page 2. If one is wrong, look at each row of working before looking at the total.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Use squared paper so each digit sits in its own square. Write the times table facts you need at the side first. Do the ones digit row, then pause. Say why the zero goes in the next row before you carry on.
To stretch confident children
Make up three long multiplication questions of your own, each with a two digit number multiplied by a two digit number. Work them out, then swap with a friend and solve each other's. Check each answer by estimating first.
Make it a game
Race a timer to finish a question, then check your answer with a calculator. Score a point for each answer that matches. Try to beat your own score next time. Careful and correct beats fast and wrong.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forThe zero placeholder is left out, so the second row is far too small.
Try thisAsk what the tens digit is really worth. Estimate with rounded numbers and compare it with the answer.
Watch forDigits drift out of line, so the wrong columns get added.
Try thisUse squared paper, one digit per square. Draw a faint line down each column if it helps.
Watch forA carried digit is forgotten or added to the wrong place.
Try thisWrite the carried digit small above the next column. Cross it out once it has been used.
Talk about it
- Why do we multiply by the ones digit first?
- What does the zero in the second row stand for?
- How could you tell your answer is sensible before checking?
- Which times table facts did you use most?
- Where did you slip, and how did you spot it?
- Could you solve one of these a different way, such as a grid?
Take it off the page
Squared paper practice
Fold a sheet of squared paper into sections. Write one question in each. Colour the ones row in one colour and the tens row in another.
Shopping problems
Make up a story such as a number of packs, each holding the same number of stickers. Write the multiplication, then solve it on paper.
Estimate then check
Round two numbers to the nearest ten and multiply them for a quick estimate. Then work out the exact answer and see how close the estimate was.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Praise careful setting out as well as correct answers. If they get stuck, ask them to say what each digit is worth.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, homework or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it once and use it again for brothers, sisters or revision. It pairs well with times table practice and everyday talk about estimating. Let your child explain the method back to you.
Where this fits
Before this, children learn their times tables and multiply two digit numbers by one digit numbers. They also learn how place value works when a number is multiplied by 10. These skills are the building blocks of the written method here.
After this, children multiply larger numbers by two digit numbers and use the same method with more digits. They also use estimating and inverse operations to check their answers. Solid place value now makes later work with decimals easier.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Why do we put a zero in the second row?
- How could you check your answer is sensible?
- Which step did you find trickiest, and why?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Long Multiplication for?
It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10), in Key Stage 2. It suits children who know their times tables and are ready to multiply by a two digit number using a written method.
- What will children practise?
Children practise long multiplication with a two digit multiplier. They multiply by the ones digit, then by the tens digit using a zero placeholder, then add the two rows. It also builds place value and accuracy.
- Why do we put a zero in the second row?
The second row multiplies by the tens digit, so it is a number of tens. The zero holds the ones place empty and keeps every digit in the right column before the rows are added.
- What if it feels too hard?
Try squared paper to keep the digits in line. Write the times table facts you need at the side, and work through the first question together before letting your child try alone.
- Is there a game idea?
Yes. The sheet suggests racing a timer, then checking answers with a calculator. Accuracy matters more than speed, so make sure your child checks each answer and spots any slip.
- Is Long Multiplication suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- Is it free, and do I need colour printing?
Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper, and it is screen free, needing only paper and a pencil.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.