• Learning Platform
• /
• Knowledge Base
• /
• Multiples – Definition with Examples

Multiples – Definition with Examples

Jessica Kaminski

reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on April 7, 2026

Multiples in math are what you get when you multiply a specific number by an integer. If you’ve ever counted by twos, fives, or tens, you’ve already used multiples!

This article looks into what is a multiple in math and why is it important, common multiples, as well as multiple examples and practice problems.

What Is Multiple?

A multiple in math is the result of multiplying an integer by another whole number. Every time you multiply that number, you get a multiple!

Let’s use 6 as a multiple math example. Each time you multiply it, the results are multiples of 0 – so 6, 12, 18 and so on.

0 is also a multiple of every number because any number multiplied by 0 equals 0.

List Of Multiples

Here are lists of multiple tables for numbers 1-10. Remembering them can make the process of multiplying much faster and more intuitive.

Multiples Properties

Multiples in math have quite interesting properties, which make them so critical for higher level algebra and geometry. These properties also make it much easier for you to identify multiples and work with them.

Let’s look at some of these properties.

• First is that every number is a multiple of itself. When you multiply any number by 1, the result is the number itself. 
• Positive multiples are always equal to or greater than the original number. However, 0 is also a multiple of every number. A multiple of a number can never be smaller than the number itself. For example, the smallest multiple of number 5 is 5.
• The number of multiples for each number is infinite, as you can keep multiplying that number with larger and larger numbers. There is no limit.
• If we multiply two numbers together, the product will be the multiple of both numbers. For example, 3 x 4 = 12, with 12 being a multiple of both 3 and 4.
• Multiples by definition are always perfectly divisible, and you can always divide them without a remainder by at least one number.

Math program

Help your child reach their full potential!

Answer a few quick questions about your child’s learning, and we’ll recommend next steps.

Take the quiz

Factors & Multiples

Factors and multiples are opposites. The meaning of multiple in maths is the result of any integer multiplied by another integer. A factor, meanwhile, is an integer that divides another integer to leave a whole number. So for example, 4 is a multiple of 2, and 2 is a factor of 4!

Common Multiples

If a number is a multiple of more than one number, it’s a common multiple. For example, 12 and 18 have common multiples of 36, 72 and 108. You can make these numbers by multiplying both original numbers by an integer.

Solved Math Tasks

Here are some solved math tasks to help you practice your knowledge!

Which of the following is a multiple of 2?

• 1
• 3
• 6
• 7

Answer:

The multiples of a given number are defined as…

Define multiple.

Answer:

Write the first five multiples of the number 12 in order start with 0

Write your answer.

Answer:

Multiples: Practice Math Problems

Multiples: worksheets

Now you know the multiples definition for kids, try our free math worksheets to practice your knowledge:

• Factors and multiples worksheets
• Multiplication worksheets
• Multi-digit multiplications worksheets
• Multiplication facts worksheets

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Common Multiple Of 2 3 4 5 6 7?

The least common multiple (LCM) for these numbers is 420. This is the smallest positive integer that you can divide by all six numbers perfectly, without a remainder. Any larger common multiples  of these numbers, like 840 or 1260, will always be a multiple of 420.

What’s The Easiest Way To Learn Multiples Of 6?

The easiest way to learn multiples of 6 is through times table. You can also think of multiples of 6 as double 3s. If kids know the 3 times tables, they only need to double the results. For example, 3×3=9, 6×3=18, and 9×2=18 too.

How To Identify Multiples Of 4 Quickly?

Look at the last two digits of any number. If you can divide those last two digits by 4, or the digits are 00, then the entire number is a multiple of 4. For example, the number 1524 is a multiple of 4, since 24 is a multiple of 4.

What Is The Easiest Way To Explain Multiples?

Explain what does multiple mean as skip-counting results. If you have a pile of 5-cent coins, for example, as you add each coin, the value (5, 10, 15, 20) will represent multiples of 5. When you multiply a number, it’s like you clone it over and over again.

How To Know If A Number Is A Multiple?

According to multiple definition math, a multiple is a number you can divide by another number without a remainder. You need to find a smaller number, that you can divide it by without a remainder. If such number exists, the number is a multiple.

What Is A Real Life Example Of Multiples?

Stacks of coins of the same value can be represented as multiples. Another example is buying items in packs. If a pack of soda comes with 6 cans, the total number of cans you can buy will be multiples of six, as 2 packs will be 12 cans, and so on.

Jessica Kaminski

92 articles

Jessica is a seasoned math tutor with over a decade of experience in the field. With a BSc and Master’s degree in Mathematics, she enjoys nurturing math geniuses, regardless of their age, grade, and skills. Apart from tutoring, Jessica blogs at Brighterly. She also has experience in child psychology, homeschooling and curriculum consultation for schools and EdTech websites.