Draw an Array on Grid Paper

An array has equally sized rows and columns, and the grid makes that structure visible: each row holds the same number of squares, and the total is the product. The pack contains six PDFs across A4 and US Letter — a reference sheet, a student sheet and an answer sheet for each size — plus a separate SVG for every page. The reference page solves the first task, a 3 × 4 array, step by step: it shows the grid, states 3 × 4 = 12, explains that each of the 3 rows contains 4 squares, and checks the result with 12 ÷ 3 = 4. The student sheet keeps a blank attempt area on purpose, so learners draw and count for themselves rather than copying a finished diagram. The remaining tasks ask for a 4 × 5 array (20), a 5 × 6 array (30) and a 6 × 7 array (42), each with its equation and a division check. All group sizes and products use exact integer arithmetic, so every count on the grid matches the written fact.

Download the complete resource pack

• A4 reference PDF
• A4 student PDF
• A4 answer PDF
• LETTER reference PDF
• LETTER student PDF
• LETTER answer PDF

Print at 100% / actual size. Use the stated scale on any schematic diagram; physical cutting templates are identified separately. A4 and US Letter are separate files. Free access, no signup; CC BY 4.0.

How to use these pages

1. Print the reference sheet in your paper size (A4 or US Letter) and read the worked 3 × 4 example with the student, pointing out the 3 rows of 4 squares.
2. Hand out the student sheet. For each task, have the student count out the rows first, then the columns, and draw the array in the blank attempt area.
3. Ask the student to write the multiplication equation beneath the drawing, for example 4 × 5 = 20.
4. Check each answer against the answer sheet, then confirm with the division check: 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
5. Use the SVG files if you want to display a page on a screen or print at a different scale.

Four practice tasks and complete answers

Task 1

Draw an array with 3 rows and 4 columns. Write its multiplication equation.

Show answer 1

3 x 4 = 12.

Each of the 3 rows or groups contains 4 counters.

Check: 3 x 4 = 12; 12 / 3 = 4.

Task 2

Draw an array with 4 rows and 5 columns. Write its multiplication equation.

Show answer 2

4 x 5 = 20.

Each of the 4 rows or groups contains 5 counters.

Check: 4 x 5 = 20; 20 / 4 = 5.

Task 3

Draw an array with 5 rows and 6 columns. Write its multiplication equation.

Show answer 3

5 x 6 = 30.

Each of the 5 rows or groups contains 6 counters.

Check: 5 x 6 = 30; 30 / 5 = 6.

Task 4

Draw an array with 6 rows and 7 columns. Write its multiplication equation.

Show answer 4

6 x 7 = 42.

Each of the 6 rows or groups contains 7 counters.

Check: 6 x 7 = 42; 42 / 6 = 7.

Useful checks

• Drawing rows of unequal length: an array needs equally sized rows and columns, or the product will not match the grid count.
• Writing the factors in the wrong order for the drawing, such as 5 × 4 for an array drawn as 4 rows of 5; the product is the same, but the equation should describe the array shown.
• Skipping the division check, which is the quickest way to catch a counting error before moving to the next task.

Questions about this resource

Is the first task already answered on the student sheet?

No. The 3 × 4 array is solved only on the reference sheet as a guided example. The student sheet leaves a blank attempt area so students draw and write the equation themselves.

Which paper sizes and files are included?

The pack has six PDFs — reference, student and answer sheets in both A4 and US Letter — plus one SVG for each of the 18 pages. All files are free.

Continue practising

• Related printable lessons
• Check actual-size printing
• Line Graph Interpretation Worksheet
• 4.25 x 5.5 Paper Template