3-Digit x 2-Digit

Multiplying 3-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers

  • This uses the same long multiplication method.
  • The top number has 3 digits, so each row has more steps.
  • Multiply by the ones digit first (Row 1).
  • Then multiply by the tens digit with a zero placeholder (Row 2).
  • Add both rows together.

Example: 146 x 23

  1. Row 1: Multiply 146 by 3.
  2. 3 x 6 = 18. Write 8, carry 1.
  3. 3 x 4 = 12, plus 1 = 13. Write 3, carry 1.
  4. 3 x 1 = 3, plus 1 = 4. Write 4. Row 1 = 438.
  5. Row 2: Multiply 146 by 20. Write a 0 first.
  6. 2 x 6 = 12. Write 2, carry 1.
  7. 2 x 4 = 8, plus 1 = 9. Write 9.
  8. 2 x 1 = 2. Write 2. Row 2 = 2920.
  9. Add: 438 + 2920 = 3358.
  10. Answer: 146 x 23 = 3358.

Let us try: 213 x 12

  • Row 1: 213 x 2.
  • 2 x 3 = 6. 2 x 1 = 2. 2 x 2 = 4. Row 1 = 426.
  • Row 2: 213 x 10. Write a 0 first.
  • 1 x 3 = 3. 1 x 1 = 1. 1 x 2 = 2. Row 2 = 2130.
  • Add: 426 + 2130 = 2556.
  • Answer: 213 x 12 = 2556.

Now try these yourself

  • 124 x 13 = ? (Row 1: 124 x 3. Row 2: 124 x 10. Add.)
  • 231 x 24 = ? (Row 1: 231 x 4. Row 2: 231 x 20. Add.)
  • 305 x 15 = ? (Row 1: 305 x 5. Row 2: 305 x 10. Add.)
  • Take it one column at a time. Carry carefully.
Start the interactive 3-Digit x 2-Digit lesson →