The Three Times Table

The 3 times table introduces children to their first table with an odd multiplier, and it is a wonderful workout for developing number sense. Counting in threes has a lovely rhythm, and once children hear the pattern 3, 6, 9, 12 they rarely forget it. The three times table also lays the groundwork for understanding multiples, factors and even simple division.

Because three is small enough to add on quickly but large enough to feel like real multiplication, the 3 times table strikes a helpful balance. It helps children move away from counting on their fingers and towards recalling facts instantly, which is the goal of every times table.

Patterns in the three times table

The answers alternate between odd and even: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 — odd, even, odd, even.
Add up the digits of any answer and the total is always a multiple of 3, a handy check for larger numbers.
The answers increase in steps of 3 each time you move along the table.
The units digits follow a repeating cycle of 3, 6, 9, 2, 5, 8, 1, 4, 7, 0 across the first ten multiples.

Handy tricks

Clap or stamp in threes to feel the rhythm of counting: 3, 6, 9, 12.
Use the digit-sum trick to check answers — the digits of every multiple of 3 add to a multiple of 3.
Break a fact into an easy part plus a small part, such as 3 x 7 = (3 x 5) + (3 x 2) = 15 + 6 = 21.
Link threes to real triangles or tricycles so each fact has a picture attached.

Worked examples

3 x 3 = 9. Break it down: (3 x 2) + 3 = 6 + 3 = 9.
3 x 6 = 18. Break it down: (3 x 5) + 3 = 15 + 3 = 18.
3 x 8 = 24. Break it down: (3 x 7) + 3 = 21 + 3 = 24.
3 x 11 = 33. Break it down: (3 x 10) + 3 = 30 + 3 = 33.

Where you see it in real life

Counting the wheels on a group of tricycles.
Working out the total sides of several triangles.
Buying items sold in packs of three, such as yoghurts or tennis balls.
Sharing a set of objects fairly between three people.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping a number when counting in threes; keep a steady rhythm to avoid it.
Confusing 3 x 4 with 3 x 3 — the answers 12 and 9 are close in memory.
Forgetting the digit-sum check, which catches most slips instantly.

Practice questions

3 x 4 = ? (answer: 12)
3 x 7 = ? (answer: 21)
3 x 2 = ? (answer: 6)
3 x 9 = ? (answer: 27)
3 x 5 = ? (answer: 15)
3 x 12 = ? (answer: 36)
3 x 3 = ? (answer: 9)
3 x 8 = ? (answer: 24)
3 x 6 = ? (answer: 18)
3 x 11 = ? (answer: 33)

Frequently asked questions

What is the quickest way to check a 3 times table answer?

Add the digits of the answer together. If the total is a multiple of 3, the answer is correct. For example, 3 x 8 = 24, and 2 + 4 = 6, which is a multiple of 3.

Why does the 3 times table alternate odd and even?

Because 3 is odd. Multiplying odd by even gives an even number and odd by odd gives an odd number, so the answers switch back and forth.

How can I help my child count in threes?

Use rhythm and movement. Clapping, stamping or chanting in threes turns the sequence into a memorable song.