The Difference Between Factors and Multiples

Keystage 1

August 11, 2025•1 min read

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

FACTORS AND MULTIPLES

Factors and Multiples

Factors and multiples cause a lot of confusion throughout primary school. This is how it works…

Factors are the numbers you times together, while the multiple is the answer.

So the factors of 6 would be: 1, 2, 3 , 6 (these times together to make 6)

1 x 6 = 6

2 x 3 = 6

3 x 2 = 6

6 x 1 = 6

So one of the multiples of 2, is 6 (groups of 2 make 6)

a multiple of 3, is also 6 (groups of 3 make 6)

so a multiple is a group of.

Other multiples of 2 include: 4,8,10,12,14…… and so on.

These are groups of 2 or multiples of 2.

Other multiples of 3 include: 9,12,14,16…. and so on

These are groups of 3 or multiples of 3.

Test their skills by using the following worksheet.

Download it for free here

Multiples of 10

If your child is advanced and working at a greater depth of understanding in Maths, they could venture forwards and learn other multiples. For example: multiples of 10

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 - Find the multiples of other numbers in the times tables

Why not try these online games

Sabina Bashir

Sabina Bashir is a dedicated educator, mindset coach and mother of three with over 25 years of experience in teaching and child development. As the founder of TheParentTeacher.co.uk, Sabina is passionate about bridging the gap between home and school, helping parents and teachers work together to raise confident, emotionally resilient children. Inspired by her own journey—both personal and professional—Sabina combines real-world parenting insight with classroom expertise to create practical, heart-centered tools for families and educators. Through her writing, programs and courses, she empowers adults to support children not just academically, but emotionally and mentally too. Her mission is simple: to raise strong minds and open hearts—one child, one family and one classroom at a time.

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