Math Drill Pages

3 Times Table Worksheet

The 3s are the first table students cannot get from doubling alone, which makes this a key step in grade 3. The sheet takes about 10 minutes and ends with missing-factor problems that prepare for division by 3.

Grade
Grade 3
Problems
30
Time
About 10 minutes
Standard
3.OA.C.7
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Two pages: the worksheet, then the answer key. No sign-up needed.

Worksheet preview

Part A: In order Multiply. Look for the pattern as you go.

  1. 3 × 1 = 3
  2. 3 × 2 = 6
  3. 3 × 3 = 9
  4. 3 × 4 = 12
  5. 3 × 5 = 15
  6. 3 × 6 = 18
  7. 3 × 7 = 21
  8. 3 × 8 = 24
  9. 3 × 9 = 27
  10. 3 × 10 = 30
  11. 3 × 11 = 33
  12. 3 × 12 = 36

Part B: Mixed up Multiply. The facts are out of order and some are flipped.

  1. 11 × 3 = 33
  2. 3 × 4 = 12
  3. 3 × 2 = 6
  4. 6 × 3 = 18
  5. 1 × 3 = 3
  6. 3 × 1 = 3
  7. 5 × 3 = 15
  8. 9 × 3 = 27
  9. 3 × 8 = 24
  10. 4 × 3 = 12
  11. 3 × 11 = 33
  12. 3 × 12 = 36

Part C: Missing factor Write the number that makes each fact true.

  1. 3 × 2 = 6
  2. 3 × 12 = 36
  3. 3 × 4 = 12
  4. 3 × 6 = 18
  5. 3 × 3 = 9
  6. 3 × 11 = 33

Tips for teachers and parents

  • Build each 3s fact from a 2s fact: 3 × 7 is 2 × 7 plus one more 7, so 14 + 7 = 21.
  • Check answers with the digit-sum test. Add the digits of any answer up to 3 × 12 and you get 3, 6 or 9 (for 27, 2 + 7 = 9). If the sum is anything else, the answer is wrong.
  • Skip-count by 3s with a clap on every number: 3, 6, 9, 12. The rhythm helps students hear the pattern.
  • Watch for slowdowns on the larger facts, such as 3 × 7, 3 × 8 and 3 × 9, and give those a second round on their own.

Common mistakes

  • Being off by 3, such as 3 × 8 = 21. This happens when skip-counting skips or repeats a number. Anchor on 3 × 5 = 15 and count up from there.
  • Treating the flipped facts in Part B as new. 8 × 3 is the same fact as 3 × 8, so remind the student to look for facts they already know.

What to practice next

The 4 times table is the natural next step. After that, the 6 times table builds directly on the 3s, because every 6s answer is a 3s answer doubled.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest way to learn the 3 times table?

Start from the 2s and add one more group. If 2 × 6 = 12, then 3 × 6 = 12 + 6 = 18.

Is there a pattern in the 3 times table?

Yes. The digits of every answer up to 3 × 12 add up to 3, 6 or 9. Students can use this to check their work.

How long should this worksheet take?

Plan on about 10 minutes. Accuracy matters more than speed at first; work on speed once your student scores 28 or more out of 30.