How to explain area using rows and columns in area to your student: Example question
1 November 2026
Understanding area can be much easier for children when they can see how rows and columns work together. By breaking a rectangle into rows and columns of squares, your child can visualise how area is measured in a simple, practical way.
Example question
Find the area of a rectangle that has 4 rows and 5 columns of squares.
Step 1: Count the number of rows.
There are 4 rows.
Step 2: Count the number of columns.
There are 5 columns.
Step 3: Multiply the number of rows by the number of columns. 4 × 5 = 20
Step 4: Write the answer with the correct unit.
The area is 20 square units.
After working through this example, your child will recognise that area is found by multiplying the number of rows by the number of columns. This is a key skill for 11+ maths, and similar questions are ready for your child to practise next.
