Free demo · Vedic Maths · Lesson 2 · Magic trick

The 11 sandwich: multiply by 11 in seconds

To multiply a two-digit number by 11, split its digits and put their sum in the middle, like the filling in a sandwich.

52×11=?
572

the filling5 + 2 = 7

52 × 11 = 572

  1. 1Split the two digits apart: 5 … 2
  2. 2Add them: 5 + 2 = 7, and put the 7 in the middle
  3. ✓Done! 52 × 11 = 572
  4. !Sum 10 or more? Carry the 1. 75 × 11: 7 + 5 = 12, so 7+1 | 2 | 5 = 825

Your turn: 63 × 11 = ?

693: 6 | 6 + 3 | 3

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. Enrol

Tip: press → or Space to step through, ← to go back, R to replay.

About this lesson

The “11 sandwich” is one of the first Vedic Maths tricks children learn. To multiply a two-digit number by 11, write its first digit, then the sum of both digits, then its last digit: 52 × 11 = 5 | 7 | 2 = 572. When the digits add up to 10 or more, carry the 1 to the left: 75 × 11 = 825. It turns a long multiplication into one addition you can do in your head.

Key points

  • Split, add, place the sum in the middle
  • Carrying when the sum is 10 or more
  • Practise with 63 × 11