Multiplication Facts 3 Times Table

Welcome to your ultimate guide for mastering the multiplication facts 3 times table—the foundational set of multiplication facts that bridges the gap between simple tables (1s, 2s, 5s) and trickier ones (7s, 8s, 9s). Whether you’re a student working to memorize 3×6=18, a parent helping your child practice, or a teacher searching for classroom-ready resources, this page is packed with easy tricks, free printables, and engaging activities to make learning the 3 times table fun and effective.

The 3 times table follows a simple core rule: any number multiplied by 3 is the same as adding that number to itself three times (e.g., 3×4 = 4+4+4 = 12). While it may seem challenging at first, our proven strategies will turn these facts into second nature—no counting on fingers required!

The Complete 3 Times Table Chart

First, let’s start with the full list of multiplication facts 3 times table (1–12)—the building blocks of your practice:

3 × 13 × 23 × 33 × 43 × 53 × 63 × 73 × 83 × 93 × 103 × 113 × 12
369121518212427303336

Notice the pattern? The answers (products) follow a sequence of +3 each time: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15… This pattern is your first secret to memorizing the 3 times table fast!

Easy Tricks to Learn Multiplication Facts 3 Times Table

Forget rote repetition—use these simple tricks to make the 3 times table stick in your long-term memory:

1. Use the Addition Trick (For Beginners)

Since 3×n = n + n + n, you can always fall back on addition if you get stuck. For example:

  • 3×5 = 5+5+5 = 15
  • 3×7 = 7+7+7 = 21

This trick works best for younger learners who are still connecting multiplication to repeated addition.

2. Spot the Digit Sum Pattern (The Coolest Trick!)

Here’s a hidden pattern in the multiplication facts 3 times table: the sum of the digits in the product is always a multiple of 3. Let’s test it:

  • 3×4=12 → 1+2=3 (multiple of 3)
  • 3×6=18 → 1+8=9 (multiple of 3)
  • 3×9=27 → 2+7=9 (multiple of 3)
  • 3×12=36 → 3+6=9 (multiple of 3)

This pattern not only helps you memorize facts but also lets you check if an answer is correct! If the digit sum isn’t a multiple of 3, you made a mistake.

3. Rhyme & Song Tricks (For Fun, Engaging Learning)

Rhymes and songs make the 3 times table unforgettable. Teach these rhymes to kids (or use them yourself!):

  • 3×3=9 → “3 times 3 is 9, that’s just fine!”
  • 3×6=18 → “3 times 6 is 18, let’s go out and play!”
  • 3×8=24 → “3 times 8 is 24, close the door!”
  • 3×12=36 → “3 times 12 is 36, let’s do another trick!”

You can also find catchy 3 times table songs on YouTube—singing helps lock facts into memory faster than any drill!

4. Skip Counting by 3s

Skip counting is a classic way to build fluency. Practice counting by 3s out loud every day:3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36…

Start slow, then speed up. Once you can skip count to 36 in 10 seconds, you’re halfway to mastering the multiplication facts 3 times table!

Free Printable Resources for 3 Times Table Practice

Reinforce what you’ve learned with our free, printable multiplication facts 3 times table resources—perfect for home or classroom use:

1. 3 Times Table Drill Worksheets

  • Beginner Worksheet: 20 problems focused solely on 3×1 to 3×12 (with large print and visual cues).
  • Mixed 3s & Easy Tables Worksheet: Combine 3s with 2s, 5s, and 10s to build confidence (answer key included).
  • Timed Drill Worksheet: 30 problems—see how many you can solve in 2 minutes (great for tracking speed).

2. 3 Times Table Flashcards

Printable flashcards with the fact on the front (e.g., 3×7) and the answer on the back. Use them for quick quizzes or memory games.

3. 3 Times Table Color-by-Number

A fun activity where kids solve 3 times table facts to color a picture (e.g., a dinosaur, a rainbow). Perfect for visual learners!

4. 3 Times Table Progress Tracker

A simple chart to mark off which facts you’ve mastered (e.g., “I know 3×8=24!”). Track your progress and celebrate small wins!

All resources are free to download, print, and use—no sign-up required!

Fun Games to Practice Multiplication Facts 3 Times Table

Learning doesn’t have to be boring—turn practice into play with these engaging games:

1. 3 Times Table Bingo

  • Create bingo cards with 3 times table answers (3, 6, 9… 36).
  • Call out facts (e.g., “3×4!”) and have players mark the corresponding answer.
  • Win with 5 in a row—great for classroom parties or family game nights.

2. Skip Counting Race

  • Have two players stand at the start line.
  • Call out “Skip count by 3s to 36!”—the first player to finish wins.
  • For a challenge, reverse it: skip count backward from 36 to 3!

3. 3 Times Table Hopscotch

  • Draw a hopscotch grid with 3 times table facts (e.g., 3×2, 3×5).
  • Jump to a square and shout the answer to land on it. If you get it wrong, you have to start over!

Expert Tips for Mastering the 3 Times Table Fast

Follow these tips to make your practice efficient and effective:

  1. Practice Daily (10 Minutes Max): Short, consistent sessions are better than long, infrequent ones. 10 minutes a day is enough to build fluency.
  2. Focus on Weak Spots: If you struggle with 3×7=21 or 3×11=33, spend extra time on those facts (use flashcards or rhymes).
  3. Use Active Recall: Test yourself without looking at the chart—this is the best way to build long-term memory.
  4. Make It Social: Quiz a friend, parent, or classmate. Teaching someone else a fact helps you remember it better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Multiplication Facts 3 Times Table

1. What is the 3 times table rule?

The basic rule for the multiplication facts 3 times table is: 3 × n = n + n + n (repeated addition). You can also remember that the product’s digit sum is always a multiple of 3.

2. What is 3×12 in the multiplication facts 3 times table?

3×12 = 36. You can calculate it by splitting 12 into 10+2: 3×10=30, 3×2=6, so 30+6=36.

3. How do I help my child learn the 3 times table?

Use a mix of tricks (digit sum, rhymes), games (bingo, hopscotch), and worksheets. Keep practice short and fun—avoid frustration by celebrating progress, not just correct answers.

4. What is the pattern in the 3 times table?

The products follow a sequence of +3 each time (3, 6, 9, 12…). Additionally, the sum of the digits in each product is a multiple of 3 (e.g., 3×6=18 → 1+8=9).

5. Is the 3 times table hard to learn?

No! The 3 times table is one of the easiest intermediate tables to learn, thanks to its clear patterns. With daily practice, most kids master it in 1–2 weeks.

6. Can I use the 3 times table trick to check answers?

Yes! If you’re unsure if an answer is correct, add the digits of the product—if the sum is a multiple of 3, the answer is likely right. For example, 3×8=24 → 2+4=6 (multiple of 3) = correct.

7. What’s the best order to learn multiplication tables?

Start with 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s (easy tables), then move to 3s, 4s, 6s, then tackle 7s, 8s, 9s, 11s, 12s (tricky tables).

8. Are there any common mistakes with the 3 times table?

The most common mistake is mixing up 3×6=18 and 3×8=24, or 3×7=21 and 3×9=27. Fix this by focusing on the digit sum pattern or using rhymes for tricky facts.

9. Can I learn the 3 times table beyond 12?

Yes! The same rules apply. For example:

  • 3×13=39 (13+13+13=39; 3+9=12, a multiple of 3)
  • 3×20=60 (20+20+20=60; 6+0=6, a multiple of 3)

10. How do I practice the 3 times table online?

Try free online games like Times Tables Rock StarsABCya Multiplication Grand Prix, or Prodigy—these games let you practice the 3 times table in a fun, interactive way.

11. What grade do kids learn the 3 times table?

Most kids learn the 3 times table in 2nd grade (ages 7–8), after mastering 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s.

12. Can skip counting help with the 3 times table?

Absolutely! Skip counting by 3s is one of the best ways to build fluency. Practice skip counting forward and backward to reinforce the facts.

13. Are there any songs for the 3 times table?

Yes! Many educational websites and YouTube channels have catchy 3 times table songs (e.g., Multiplication Rock has a classic 3s song). Singing helps you remember facts faster than memorization alone.

14. How do I track my child’s progress with the 3 times table?

Use a progress tracker to mark off mastered facts. You can also use timed drills to track speed—aim for answering 3×1 to 3×12 in 10 seconds or less.

15. Can I use manipulatives to teach the 3 times table?

Yes! Use blocks, counters, or toys to show “groups of 3.” For example, 3×4 = 4 groups of 3 blocks = 12 blocks total. This helps visual and kinesthetic learners understand the concept.

16. What’s the difference between the 3 times table and other tables?

The 3 times table has a unique digit sum pattern that other tables (like 2s or 5s) don’t have. This pattern makes it easier to check answers and memorize facts.

17. Can I combine the 3 times table with division practice?

Yes! Once you master 3×6=18, you can learn that 18÷3=6 and 18÷6=3. This helps build a connection between multiplication and division.

18. Are there any printable 3 times table worksheets for struggling learners?

Yes! Our beginner worksheets have fewer problems, large print, and visual cues (e.g., pictures of 3 objects) to help struggling learners stay motivated.

19. How do I make 3 times table practice fun for my child?

Use games, rhymes, songs, and rewards (e.g., extra screen time for mastering a fact). Avoid long drills—keep practice light and engaging.

20. What’s the fastest way to memorize the 3 times table?

Combine active recall (flashcards, quizzes) with pattern recognition (digit sum, skip counting) and fun (games, songs). Consistency is key—10 minutes a day will get you there fast!

Conclusion: Master the 3 Times Table Today!

The multiplication facts 3 times table is a key step in building strong math skills—and with the right tricks and practice, you can master it in no time. Remember to use the digit sum pattern, practice daily with games and worksheets, and celebrate every win along the way.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, our free resources are here to help you succeed. Start practicing today, and soon you’ll be answering 3×11=33 or 3×12=36 in the blink of an eye!