3 Times Table
Learn and memorize the 3 times table with a simple trick, common mistakes to watch for, and everyday examples. Then generate your free personalized printable worksheet.
The full table
Patterns in the 3 times table
Add up the digits of each result and you always get 3, 6 or 9: 12 gives 1 + 2 = 3, 15 gives 1 + 5 = 6, 18 gives 1 + 8 = 9. This quick check helps you spot a mistake.
Units digits of the first ten results: 3, 6, 9, 2, 5, 8, 1, 4, 7, 0.
The trick that works
For the 3 times table, add 3 three times — or think "double plus one more". 3 × 7 = (2 × 7) + 7 = 14 + 7 = 21. The 3s are the first table requiring real memorization beyond doubling.
What you already know
Because 3 × 2 = 2 × 3, the order does not change the result. If you already know the 1 and 2 times tables, you already know 2 results of the 3 times table (3 × 1 and 3 × 2). Only 10 new results remain to learn: 3 × 3 = 9, 3 × 4 = 12, 3 × 5 = 15, 3 × 6 = 18, 3 × 7 = 21, 3 × 8 = 24, 3 × 9 = 27, 3 × 10 = 30, 3 × 11 = 33, 3 × 12 = 36.
Common mistakes
- Confusing 3 × 4 (= 12) with 3 + 4 (= 7)
- 3 × 6 = 18 often confused with 3 × 7 = 21
- 3 × 8 = 24 — also equal to 4 × 6, which creates wrong associations
A real-world example
A scooter has 3 wheels. 4 scooters have 3 × 4 = 12 wheels in total.
Linking the 3 times table to the other tables
3 = 2 + 1, so 3 × k = 2 × k + 1 × k. Example: 3 × 7 = 2 × 7 + 1 × 7 = 14 + 7 = 21.
Word problems to practice
A tricycle has 3 wheels. How many wheels do 7 tricycles have?
Show the answer
Answer : 3 × 7 = 21
A pack holds 3 cards. How many cards are in 9 packs?
Show the answer
Answer : 3 × 9 = 27
Frequently asked questions
+When is the 3 times table learned?
Grade 2 (age 7-8), usually after 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s which are simpler.
+How to memorize the 3 times table?
Count by 3 out loud (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30) — the rhythm really helps.
+Which 3-times results are most often forgotten?
3 × 7 = 21 and 3 × 8 = 24. Drill those separately for best results.
+Can I print this table with a custom theme for my child?
Yes. The multiplication table generator creates a PDF worksheet with your child's name and a choice of 10 color themes, ready to print on A4 paper.
Generate your custom worksheet
Create a PDF practice sheet with your child's name. Free, no sign-up.
Create my worksheet