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Counting by threes

The 3 times table

The 3s are the first table that is not a quick rule, so they are where skip counting pays off. Count 3, 6, 9, 12 while tapping three fingers at a time.

Practice the 3s

The 3 times table

  1. 3 × 13
  2. 3 × 26
  3. 3 × 39
  4. 3 × 412
  5. 3 × 515
  6. 3 × 618
  7. 3 × 721
  8. 3 × 824
  9. 3 × 927
  10. 3 × 1030
  11. 3 × 1133
  12. 3 × 1236

Learning the 3s

The tricky ones

3 × 7 = 21 and 3 × 8 = 24 are the usual stumbles, because the count crosses 20. Lining up the 3s counted in groups of three (3, 6, 9 | 12, 15, 18 | 21, 24, 27) helps.

Use what you know

Build from the 2s: 3 × is a double plus one more group. 3 × 7 is 14 and one more 7, so 21.

Where you meet the 3s

  • Tricycles: 4 tricycles have 12 wheels.
  • Triangles: 6 triangles have 18 sides.
  • A three-pack of juice: 5 packs hold 15 boxes.

See it

Count by 3s

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

Build it

3 × 3 = 9

Patterns and tricks

  • Count by 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 …
  • 3 × is a double plus one more group: 3 × 7 = 14 + 7.
  • Add the digits of any answer and you get 3, 6 or 9 (or a number that adds down to one of them).

Divide by 3

Every multiplication fact has a division fact in its family: if 3 × 4 = 12, then 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

  1. 3 ÷ 31
  2. 6 ÷ 32
  3. 9 ÷ 33
  4. 12 ÷ 34
  5. 15 ÷ 35
  6. 18 ÷ 36
  7. 21 ÷ 37
  8. 24 ÷ 38
  9. 27 ÷ 39
  10. 30 ÷ 310
  11. 33 ÷ 311
  12. 36 ÷ 312

Practice the 3 times table

Ready to practice the 3s?

Pick a level. 10 questions, pictures when you need them. Nothing is saved, and no account is needed.