Multiply the denominators.
Learn the 3-Step Method
1Multiply the numerators.
Multiply the top numbers together.
2Multiply the denominators.
Multiply the bottom numbers together.
3Write the answer. Simplify.
Put the top number over the bottom number, then simplify if you can.
Worked Example
Find 12 × 23.
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Wrong! Don’t multiply diagonally. Multiply straight across: tops (1×1=1), bottoms (2×3=6).
Wrong! You must multiply the bottom numbers too: 2 × 3 = 6, so the answer is 16.
Better! Always simplify your answer if you can.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Multiply the numerators.
- Multiply the denominators.
- Write the answer.
- Simplify if you can.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- Multiply the numerators together: the tops.
- Multiply the denominators together: the bottoms.
- Multiply straight across, never diagonally: 1/2 × 1/3 = 1/6.
- Always simplify the answer if you can: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2.
Frequently asked questions
How do you multiply two fractions?
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. For example 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2.
Do you need a common denominator to multiply fractions?
No — that's only for adding and subtracting. Multiplying works directly: tops together, bottoms together.
Why is the answer smaller when you multiply fractions?
Multiplying by a fraction less than 1 means taking a part of a part. Half of a third is a sixth — smaller than either fraction you started with.
When do children learn to multiply fractions?
Multiplying a fraction by a whole number appears in Year 5; multiplying a fraction by a fraction is a Year 6 objective in England, and appears in 11+ papers.
Continue your child's learning journey
with the MindBlaze app.
Fun daily learning missions for children. Clear progress insights for parents — helping every child start secondary school ready to learn.
