> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.edzo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Multiplication Array Block

> Learn how to use Multiplication Array blocks to create visual arrays for teaching multiplication and division.

The **Multiplication Array** block creates a visual grid of symbols arranged in rows and columns. Use it to help learners see how multiplication works as repeated groups.

## When to use Multiplication Array blocks

Multiplication Array blocks work well for:

* Introducing multiplication as "groups of"
* Showing the relationship between multiplication and division
* Demonstrating the commutative property (e.g., 3 x 5 = 5 x 3)
* Visualizing times tables and math facts
* Building number sense and skip counting skills

## Settings

### Array settings

<ParamField path="Rows" default="3" type="slider">
  The number of rows in the array (1 to 12).
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Columns" default="5" type="slider">
  The number of columns in the array (1 to 12).
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Symbol" default="Dot" type="select">
  The shape used for each element in the array:

  * **Dot**: Filled dots
  * **Star**: Star shapes
  * **Circle**: Open circles
  * **Square**: Square shapes
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Symbol color" default="#4A90D9" type="color">
  The color of the array symbols.
</ParamField>

### Display settings

<ParamField path="Show row labels" default="false" type="switch">
  When enabled, displays labels alongside each row.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Show column labels" default="false" type="switch">
  When enabled, displays labels above each column.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Grouping" default="None" type="select">
  How the array elements are visually grouped:

  * **None**: No grouping
  * **Rows**: Groups elements by row
  * **Columns**: Groups elements by column
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Size" default="Medium" type="select">
  The display size of the array:

  * **Small**: Compact display
  * **Medium**: Standard display
  * **Large**: Larger display for projection or emphasis
</ParamField>

### Highlight settings

You can highlight specific rows in a different color to draw attention to particular groups. This is useful for showing skip counting patterns or breaking a multiplication into parts.

## Tips for teachers and parents

**Best practices:**

* Use **Grouping** by rows to reinforce "groups of" thinking (e.g., 3 rows of 5)
* Turn the array sideways by swapping rows and columns to demonstrate the commutative property
* Highlight specific rows to show partial products or skip counting
* Start with small arrays (2x3, 3x4) and build up to larger ones
* Use row and column labels to connect the visual to written number sentences
* Pair with question blocks to have learners write the matching multiplication sentence

## Related blocks

* [Number Chart](/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-chart): For number patterns and counting
* [Number Frame](/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-frame): For ten-frame and twenty-frame displays