Multi-Digit Multiplication Game

So why choose math games instead of workbook pages or worksheets? I can think of three good reasons right off the top of my head—and this easy multiplication game illustrates all of them. In the game, students roll a die three, four, or five times, use the digits rolled to create a multiplication problem, and find the product. After completing three multiplication problems, players add their products to find a total score. The player with the greatest sum wins.

This post contains affiliate links, which simply means that when you use my link and purchase a product, I receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I only link to books and products that I personally use and recommend.

The version shown focuses on 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication, but additional versions are included for 2-digit by 2-digit and 3-digit by 2-digit multiplication, making it easy to adjust the level of challenge.

Notice that there are only three problems on this sheet, but plenty of workspace. We don’t need to see students complete an entire page of problems—we do want to see their thinking and process. Students should be encouraged to use the strategy that works best for them, even if it isn’t the standard algorithm. That might include drawing an area model or using the partial products strategy. You can read more about those approaches in this post.

Now, back to those reasons for choosing math games over worksheets.

First, math games often include an element of strategy, which elevates practice to the level of problem solving. In this multiplication game, students naturally use estimation and place value understanding to decide how to combine the digits in order to create the largest possible products.

Second, games are reusable. With a traditional worksheet, the numbers are fixed. Once a student completes it, they need a brand-new worksheet for additional practice. In this game, the numbers are generated by rolling a die, so the same recording sheet can be used again and again with new combinations every time.

And finally—math games are engaging. There’s just something about rolling dice or turning over a domino that makes math practice more appealing. I don’t know why it works, but it does! Hand a student a die and you’d think the Tooth Fairy left a $5 bill. Add in a little friendly competition, and motivation takes care of itself.

Download the free game here and give your students a fun, strategic way to practice multiplication again and again.