Multiplication Word Problems With Printable Worksheets

Choose from 1 to 2 digits or 2 to 3 digits

Mini-mathematician — STEEX / Getty Images

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Updated on July 11, 2019

Word problems often trip up even the best math students. Many get stumped trying to figure out what they are looking to solve. Without knowing what is being asked, students may have trouble making sense of all the important information in the question. Word problems take math understanding to the next level. They require children to use their reading comprehension skills while also applying everything they have learned in math class.

Most multiplication word problems are usually pretty straightforward. There are a few curve balls, but on average most third, fourth, and fifth graders should be able to solve multiplication word problems.

Why Word Problems?

Word problems were devised as a way to get students understanding how math has a practical, real-life value. By being able to multiply, you are able to figure out some really helpful information.

Word problems can sometimes be confusing. Unlike simple equations, word problems contain extra words, numbers, and descriptions that have seemingly no relevance to the question. This is another skill your students are honing. Deductive reasoning and a process of elimination of extraneous information.

Take a look at the following real-world example of a multiplication word problem:

Grandma has baked four dozen cookies. You are having a party with 24 children. Can each child get two cookies?
The total cookies that you have are 48, since 4 x 12 = 48. To find out if each child can have two cookies, 24 x 2 = 48. So yes, Grandma came through like a champ. Each child can have exactly two cookies. None are left over.

How to Use the Worksheets

These worksheets contain simple multiplication word problems. The student should read the word problem and derive a multiplication equation from it. He or she can then solve the problem by mental multiplication and express the answer in the appropriate units. Students should have a concrete understanding of the meaning of multiplication before attempting these worksheets.

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Multiplication Word Problems (1 to 2 Digits)

Multiplication Word Problems 1-2 Digit — Deb Russell / ThoughtCo

You can choose between three worksheets with one- or two-digit multipliers. Each worksheet progresses in difficulty.

Worksheet 1 has the simplest problems. For example: For your birthday, 7 friends will get a surprise bag. Each surprise bag will have 4 prizes in it. How many prizes will you need to buy to fill the surprise bags?

Here's an example of a word problem using a one-digit multiplier from Worksheet 2: "In nine weeks, I’m going to the circus. How many days before I go to the circus?"

Here's a sample of a two-digit word problem from Worksheet 3: Each individual popcorn bag has 76 kernels in it and they are in a case that holds 16 bags. How many kernels does each case have?

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Multiplication Word Problems (2 to 3 Digits)

Deb Russell / ThoughtCo

There are two worksheets with word problems that are using two- to three-digit multipliers.

Review this word problem using a three-digit multiplier from Worksheet 1: Each bushel of apples has 287 apples in it. How many apples are in 37 bushels?

Here's an example of an actual word problem using a two-digit multiplier from Worksheet 2: If you typed 85 words per minute, how many words would you be able to type in 14 minutes?

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Your Citation

Russell, Deb. "Multiplication Word Problems With Printable Worksheets." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/multiplication-word-problem-worksheets-4122998. Russell, Deb. (2020, August 26). Multiplication Word Problems With Printable Worksheets. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/multiplication-word-problem-worksheets-4122998 Russell, Deb. "Multiplication Word Problems With Printable Worksheets." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/multiplication-word-problem-worksheets-4122998 (accessed March 26, 2023).