Multiplying by 100: Step-by-Step Example
22 October 2026
Multiplying by 100 can seem tricky at first, but it follows a clear pattern. If your child understands how place value works, this method will help them solve these questions quickly and confidently.
Worked example
Multiply 36 by 100
Look at the number you are multiplying. That is 36.
Count the zeros in 100. There are two zeros.
To multiply by 100, shift every digit in 36 two places to the left.
Fill the empty places with zeros. So, write two zeros after 36.
36 × 100 = 3600
The correct answer is 3600.
Now your child can spot that multiplying by 100 means moving the digits two places to the left and adding zeros. They are ready to try more questions like this to build their confidence.
Key insight: Multiplying by 100 always makes the number 100 times bigger by shifting the digits and filling in zeros.
