Master the 3 Times Table
Learn multiplication table of 3 with our proven 5-step plan, interactive games, and comprehensive practice tools
What is the 3 Times Table?
The 3 times table shows the results when any number is multiplied by 3. It represents repeated addition of 3 or counting in groups of 3. The 3 times table has fascinating mathematical patterns that make it both interesting and practical to learn. The products follow the sequence: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and so on.
One of the most remarkable properties of the 3 times table is the digit sum rule: if you add up all the digits in any multiple of 3, the sum will always be divisible by 3 (resulting in 3, 6, or 9). For example, 18: 1+8=9 ✓, 27: 2+7=9 ✓, 324: 3+2+4=9 ✓. This powerful mathematical property helps verify whether any number is divisible by 3, making it an essential tool for mental math.
The 3 times table is typically learned after mastering the 1s and 2s tables. Students can use a helpful strategy called "double and add one more group"—using their knowledge of the 2 times table and adding one more group of the number. For example, to find 3 × 5: double 5 (2 × 5 = 10), then add one more 5 (10 + 5 = 15). The 3 times table also forms the foundation for understanding the 6 and 9 times tables through mathematical relationships.
The 5-Step Learning Plan
Our proven 5-step plan uses progressive, research-backed methods to help students master the 3 times table through interactive learning. Each step builds upon the previous one, ensuring both understanding and automatic recall. This systematic approach is used in schools worldwide and recommended by mathematics educators for effective times table mastery.
1️⃣
View & Repeat
2️⃣
Drag & Drop
3️⃣
Shuffled Practice
4️⃣
Multiple Choice
5️⃣
Earn Diploma
📖 Step 1a: View, Read Aloud and Repeat
Familiarize yourself with the 3 times table by viewing and reading each multiplication fact aloud. Click on each fact to hear it repeated. Notice the patterns in the answers!
✏️ Step 1b: Fill In Sequence
Test your knowledge! Fill in all the answers in sequence. Once complete, click 'Check' to see your results. Get them all right to move forward!
🎯 Step 2: Drag the Right Answer
Match each multiplication fact with its correct answer by dragging. This interactive game reinforces your learning!
Questions
Answers (Drag These)
🔀 Step 3: Shuffled Practice
Practice the 3 times table in random order! This builds true automaticity. Fill in all answers and press 'Check' to see your score.
✅ Step 4: Multiple Choice Quiz
Answer all 15 questions correctly! Each question tests your 3 times table knowledge from different angles.
🏆 Step 5: Tables Diploma Challenge
Prove your mastery! Answer all 24 questions correctly to earn your official 3 Times Table Diploma. This is the ultimate test!
Progress: 0/24 Correct | Time: 0:00
🎮 Memory Times Table Game
Match the multiplication facts with their answers in this fun memory card game! Find all pairs to win.
Moves: 0 | Pairs Found: 0/12
📊 3 Times Table Chart
Here's a complete reference chart showing the 3 times table from 3 × 1 to 3 × 20. Notice the digit sum pattern!
The Digit Sum Rule
The 3 times table has a remarkable property: if you add up all the digits in any multiple of 3, the sum will be divisible by 3 (resulting in 3, 6, or 9). For example: 18 → 1+8=9 ✓, 27 → 2+7=9 ✓, 156 → 1+5+6=12 → 1+2=3 ✓. This powerful mathematical property works for any multiple of 3, no matter how large! The ones place follows the pattern: 3, 6, 9, 2, 5, 8, 1, 4, 7, 0 (repeating).
📚 Educational Facts About the 3 Times Table
🔢 Digit Sum Magic
Add the digits of any multiple of 3, and the sum will be 3, 6, or 9. This trick works for any number, no matter how large! Try it: 324 → 3+2+4=9 ✓. Keep adding until you get a single digit.
✖️ Double + One Strategy
Use the 2 times table to learn 3s! Double the number, then add one more group. For 3 × 7: double 7 (2 × 7 = 14), add 7 more (14 + 7 = 21). This builds on prior knowledge effectively.
📈 Ones Place Pattern
The ones place follows a repeating pattern: 3, 6, 9, 2, 5, 8, 1, 4, 7, 0. After 30, the pattern repeats (33, 36, 39, 42...). Recognizing this pattern helps with quick recall and verification.
🔄 Repeated Addition
The 3 times table represents repeated addition: 3 × 4 means 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12. Understanding this connection helps students grasp what multiplication really means and build conceptual understanding.
⚡ Building Block Tables
The 3 times table is the foundation for 6 and 9 times tables. Since 6 = 3 × 2 and 9 = 3 × 3, mastering the 3s makes these related tables much easier through mathematical relationships.
🌍 Real-World Triplets
Understanding "3 times" helps with situations involving groups of three: triangles have 3 sides, tricycles have 3 wheels, triplets are 3 babies. These real connections make math meaningful.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the 3 times table important to learn?
A: The 3 times table is essential because it introduces students to more complex patterns beyond simple doubling. It teaches the powerful digit sum rule—a divisibility test used throughout mathematics. The 3 times table builds the foundation for understanding the 6 and 9 times tables through mathematical relationships. It also develops pattern recognition skills and mental math strategies that apply to higher-level mathematics, including fractions and algebra.
Q: How long does it take to master the 3 times table?
A: Most students can learn the 3 times table in 2-3 weeks with consistent daily practice. Because it requires more than simple doubling, it takes slightly longer than the 2 times table. Building automaticity—instant recall without thinking—typically requires 3-4 weeks of daily 5-15 minute practice sessions. Students who master the "double and add one more" strategy often progress faster, while others benefit from skip counting and pattern recognition approaches.
Q: What is the digit sum rule for the 3 times table?
A: The digit sum rule states that if you add up all the digits in a number and the result is divisible by 3 (equals 3, 6, or 9), then the original number is in the 3 times table. For example: Is 156 divisible by 3? Add digits: 1+5+6=12, then 1+2=3 ✓ Yes! This works for any number, no matter how large. If digit sum isn't 3, 6, or 9, the number isn't divisible by 3. This is a powerful mathematical tool for mental math.
Q: What's the best strategy for learning the 3 times table?
A: The most effective strategy is "double and add one more group"—use the 2 times table and add the number again. For 3 × 8: double 8 (2 × 8 = 16), then add 8 more (16 + 8 = 24). Combine this with skip counting by 3s (3, 6, 9, 12, 15...) and recognizing the digit sum pattern. Use our 5-step plan for structured practice, and reinforce with real-world examples like triangles, tricycles, and groups of three objects. Visual arrays help build conceptual understanding.
Q: How can I practice the 3 times table at home?
A: Use our comprehensive 5-step plan starting with viewing and repeating, then progressing through sequenced practice, drag-and-drop games, shuffled practice, multiple choice, and the diploma challenge. Supplement with flashcards, skip counting during activities, pointing out groups of three in daily life (triangle signs, tricycles, trios of objects), and songs. Test numbers using the digit sum rule. Practice for 5-15 minutes daily rather than long occasional sessions—consistency builds automaticity.
Q: When should children learn the 3 times table?
A: Children typically learn the 3 times table in 2nd or 3rd grade (ages 7-9), after mastering the 1s and 2s tables. Some educational approaches recommend learning 2s, 5s, and 10s before 3s due to their simpler patterns, while others prefer the natural progression from 2 to 3. The key is ensuring children understand multiplication as repeated addition and groups before memorization. When children can confidently skip count by 3s and understand grouping, they're ready for the 3 times table.
💡 Tips for Success
✓ Use Double + One
Teach the strategy: double the number (2×), then add one more group. For 3 × 6: 2 × 6 = 12, then 12 + 6 = 18. This builds on existing knowledge.
✓ Master Digit Sum Rule
Practice adding digits to check divisibility by 3. This powerful tool helps verify answers and builds number sense for mental math throughout life.
✓ Skip Count Daily
Practice skip counting by 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30... Use it during transitions, in the car, or as warm-up activities.
✓ Find Groups of Three
Point out threes everywhere: triangle shapes, tricycles, trios, triplets. "If we have 5 triangles, how many sides? 5 × 3 = 15 sides!" Real context builds understanding.
✓ Recognize the Pattern
Help students notice the ones place pattern: 3, 6, 9, 2, 5, 8, 1, 4, 7, 0 (repeating). Pattern recognition makes memorization easier.
✓ Connect to 6 & 9
Once 3s are mastered, show how 6 is double 3 (3 × 4 = 12, so 6 × 4 = 24) and 9 is triple 3. This connection makes learning multiple tables easier.
About the Author
Adam
Co-Founder at RevisionTown
Math Expert specializing in various international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, and standardized test preparation. Dedicated to creating engaging, interactive learning tools that help students master mathematics through proven educational methods. Passionate about making times tables fun and accessible for learners of all ages through innovative teaching strategies, pattern recognition, and comprehensive practice resources.
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