How to Do the Japanese Multiplication Method

Doing multiplication with large numbers might be hard if you don’t have access to a calculator. However, if you can grab yourself a piece of paper and a pen, you can use the Japanese multiplication method instead. We at 5-Minute Crafts will show you how, using 34×22 = 748 as an example.

Step 1

• First, you’ll need to draw lines that are parallel to each other corresponding to the same amount as the first number(s) that you’re going to multiply. For us, that’s 3 (orange lines) and 4 (yellow lines).

Note: If it’s 2 or more numbers, leave a space between the lines that correspond to each of them.

Step 2

• Then, draw a new set of parallel lines that are perpendicular to the first ones you drew. They’ll need to correspond to the amount as the number(s) that you’re going to multiply. In this case, we have 2 (dark blue lines) and 2 (baby blue lines).

Note: If it’s 2 or more numbers, leave a space between the lines that correspond to each of them.

Step 3

• Now, place a dot where each of the lines crosses another.

Step 4

• Here, you’ll need to place a curved line in the 2 spots where there aren’t any dots.

Step 5

• Start by counting the dots in the right corner, then follow up to the middle, and finish up by counting the ones in the left corner.

Note: If one of the numbers you end up with is greater than 9, simply carry it over from the right to the middle, and add it there. If it happens again, carry it over from the middle to the left corner.

Result

• To finish up, write the numbers down from right to left (right > middle > left), and you’ll have your answer.

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