3 Times Table Games, Tricks & Worksheet
The 3 times table lists the answers to multiplying by 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36. Learning it by heart makes division, fractions and bigger multiplication much faster.
✖️ Play the 3 times table game 🖨️ Printable worksheet
The 3 times table
3 × 1 = 33 × 2 = 63 × 3 = 93 × 4 = 123 × 5 = 153 × 6 = 183 × 7 = 213 × 8 = 243 × 9 = 273 × 10 = 303 × 11 = 333 × 12 = 36
Tricks that make it easier
- Count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36.
- The digits of every answer add up to 3, 6 or 9 (for example 27 → 2 + 7 = 9).
- 3 × n is 2 × n plus one more n: 3 × 7 = 14 + 7 = 21.
Try these
- 3 × 7 =
Answer
21 - 3 × 10 =
Answer
30 - 3 × 8 =
Answer
24 - 3 × 12 =
Answer
36 - 3 × 9 =
Answer
27 - 3 × 4 =
Answer
12
Common mistakes
- Mixing up facts with a neighbouring table, such as 3 × 7 and 3 × 8.
- Counting up from zero every time instead of using a known fact.
- Forgetting that the order does not matter: 3 × 3 is the same as 3 × 3.
A five-day practice plan
| Day | What to do (10 minutes) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Play Times Tables Challenge on this skill for 5–10 minutes. Read the explanation after every mistake. |
| Day 2 | Learn one trick from this page and use it out loud while you play. |
| Day 3 | Print the worksheet and try it without help. Mark it with the answer key together. |
| Day 4 | Play again and try to beat your personal best score or get three stars. |
| Day 5 | Mix it up: try the ⏱️ Timed test, or ask your child to explain the skill to you in their own words. |
Suits Year 3 and Year 4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3 times table?
It is the list of answers when you multiply by 3: 3 × 1 = 3, 3 × 2 = 6, 3 × 3 = 9, 3 × 4 = 12, 3 × 5 = 15, 3 × 6 = 18, and so on up to 3 × 12 = 36.
What is the easiest way to learn the 3 times table?
Count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36. Then practise a little every day with the game until the answers come instantly.
What year do children learn the 3 times table?
Usually in the early years of primary school, around ages 7 to 8, after learning to count in steps.