Long multiplication
Multi-digit × multi-digit using the column or grid method. Year 5 introduces; Year 6 extends to four-digit numbers.
UK schools teach two layouts: the column method (compact, what most exams expect) and the grid method (spreads the partial products into a 2×2 or 3×2 grid — a useful stepping stone). Year 5 starts with 4-digit by 1-digit; Year 6 reaches 4-digit by 2-digit.
Worked examples
123 × 24 = 2,952. Column: 123×4=492, 123×20=2460, 492+2460=2952.
Grid method (24×123): [20×100=2000, 20×20=400, 20×3=60] + [4×100=400, 4×20=80, 4×3=12] = 2952.
2,375 × 16 = 38,000. Year 6 four-digit by two-digit (UK SATs target).
Frequently asked questions
Should we still teach grid method?
It's a brilliant stepping stone for understanding. Move to column once children can multiply 2-digit by 2-digit confidently.
What about lattice method?
Some UK textbooks use it. Visually appealing but column is what the SATs mark scheme expects.