How to Multiply 2-Digit by 1-Digit Numbers in 3 Simple Steps

Multiplying a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number is a key math milestone introduced in Grades 2 and 3. Students usually start with 1-digit by 1-digit multiplication, then move on to 2-digit by 1-digit problems. But along the way, common challenges often arise—forgetting to carry over, confusing place value, or skipping steps due to a lack of structured thinking.

That’s why in this guide, we break the process down into clear, simple steps, using visuals and examples designed to build your child’s confidence and accuracy. You’ll find free downloadable worksheets at the end of this page.

3 Simple Steps to Multiply a 2-Digit Number by a 1-Digit Number

Let’s walk through an example:

27 × 5

Step 1: Break the 2-digit number into Tens and Ones

We split 27 into two parts:

• 20 (Tens)
• 7 (Ones)

This helps us work through the multiplication step-by-step.

27 = 20 + 7

Step 2: Multiply the Ones Place

7 × 5 = 35

We write down the 5 in the Ones place and carry over the 3 to the Tens place.

Step 3: Multiply the Tens Place and Add the Carry-Over

2 × 5 = 10

Then we add the 3 we carried over:

10 + 3 (carry-over) = 13

The number 13 means there are 1 hundred and 3 tens. So the final answer has hundreds, tens, and ones.

Final Answer:

27 × 5 = 135

In long multiplication (also called the vertical method), it looks like this:

Once we’ve mastered multiplying 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers with carrying, the ones without carrying feel much easier. We simply follow the same steps—just skip the “add the carry-over” part.

Practice Examples: Multiply 2-Digit by 1-Digit

Try these problems on your own—or work through them with your child.

Example 1:

Problem:

Use multiplication to calculate the result:

21 × 3 = ?

Solution:

Break it into 20 and 1, then multiply:

1 × 3 = 3

2 × 3 = 6 → becomes 60

Final Answer: 63

Example 2:

Problem:

Use multiplication to calculate the result.

68 × 7

Solution:

This one requires regrouping.

8 × 7 = 56 → write down 6, carry over 5

6 × 7 = 42, plus 5 = 47

Final Answer: 476

Summary: Key Steps to Master 2-Digit by 1-Digit Multiplication

• Break the 2-digit number into Ones and Tens
• Multiply the Ones place first and carry over if needed
• Multiply the Tens place, then add the carry-over
• Double-check your final answer

With consistent practice, students gain confidence in both mental math and long multiplication methods—a skill that will benefit them throughout elementary school and beyond.

Additional Math Topics for Multiplication – with Free Worksheets

• Grade 2: Multiplication: Examples, Charts, and MK Applications
• Grade 6: How to Multiply Fractions in 3 Simple Steps
• Algebra 1:
  • How to Multiply Polynomials: From 1 Term to 3 Terms
  • Polynomial Multiplication in Algebra: Formulas, Examples, and AMC 10 Applications

Want more printable worksheets for practicing?

To access more printable worksheets on other math topics, visit this page.

About Think Academy

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