1. Build equal groups
Think of 4 × 3 as four groups of 3. Start from zero and add 3 four times. Your running totals are 3, 6, 9, and 12.
Add 3 · move 13
Add 3 · move 26
Add 3 · move 39
Add 3 · move 412
2. Place the product correctly
Each answer digit belongs on its own rod. For 4 × 3 = 12, set 1 on the tens rod and 2 on the ones rod. Keep the rightmost working rod consistent throughout the problem.
3. Use partial products
Break a larger number into place values. For 12 × 3, first calculate 2 × 3 = 6 on the ones rod. Then calculate 1 ten × 3 = 3 tens. Read the completed answer as 36.
01
2 × 3 = 6 ones
02
10 × 3 = 30
03
30 + 6 = 36
Work from the ones place toward the left, and clear only the rods you are using for the product.