What is Multiplication?
Counting “in equal groups.” The process of forming a whole from equal groups. Multiplication is thought of as repeated addition.
Multiplication is the process of combining equal groups to find a total. Instead of adding the same number over and over, multiplication lets us do it in one step. That’s why multiplication is often described as repeated addition. 
For example, if you have 3 bowls with 4 apples in each, you can add the apples in all 3 bowls:
4 + 4 + 4 = 12
Or you can multiply 4 apples by 3 bowls:
4 × 3 = 12
Each number in a multiplication equation has a name:
- The factors are the numbers we are multiplying, where the multiplicand is the number being multiplied and it denotes the number of items in each group, like apples in each bowl, and the multiplier tells how many groups, or in this case bowls, there are.
- The product is the result of the multiplication.
Multiplication shows up in everyday situations, like:
- Figuring out how many seats are in rows at a theater
- Doubling or tripling a recipe
- Calculating the total price of items with the same cost
When Do Students Learn About Multiplication?
Students are introduced to the idea of multiplication in early elementary grades and continue to build fluency and apply it in more complex problems over time.
Grades 2–3 – Introduction to Multiplication
Students begin learning multiplication facts, drawing equal groups, using number lines, and understanding what it means to multiply.
Grades 4–5 – Building Multiplication Fluency
Students practice multi-digit multiplication and apply it to real-world word problems, area models, and measurement.
Grades 6+ – Applying Multiplication in Advanced Math
Students use multiplication in fractions, integers, algebra, geometry, and problem solving.
