3 times table games with dice and cards
Quick games using dice, cards, counters and timers to build confidence with the 3 facts.
Quick answer
You can learn your 3 times table facts quickly and funnily using dice, cards, counters, and timers in simple games that make multiplication exciting.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will know all the 3 times table facts from 0 x 3 to 12 x 3, and you will be able to play fun games that help you remember them. Success signs:- You can say the 3 times table from 0 x 3 to 12 x 3 quickly
- You can play a 3 times table dice or card game with a friend or parent
- You can solve a multiplication problem using 3 as one of the numbers
- You can use what you know to solve a real-life problem involving groups of 3
Why this matters
Knowing your 3 times table helps you do maths faster and easier. It’s useful when you share 3 cookies with each of your friends, count 3 legs on each cat, or figure out how many wheels are on 4 cars (4 x 3 = 12). The 3 times table is also a building block for bigger maths like fractions, division, and algebra. When you know your 3 times table well, you feel confident in your maths and ready to take on new challenges.How it works
Multiplication is like making equal groups. If you have 4 groups of 3, that's 4 x 3 = 12. We can use dice, cards, and counters to show this. When you roll a die and get a 5, and you have 3 groups of 5, that's 5 x 3 = 15. You can also use a deck of cards to pick a number and multiply it by 3. The more you play, the faster you’ll know the answers.Examples you can see
Here are some ways to use the 3 times table with dice and cards: Example 1: Dice game with 3s You roll a dice and get 6. Now you make 3 groups of 6. That’s 6 + 6 + 6 = 18. So 3 x 6 = 18. Example 2: Card game with 3s You pick a card and it shows 8. Now you make 3 groups of 8. That’s 8 + 8 + 8 = 24. So 3 x 8 = 24. Example 3: Counters to show 3 x 4 You take 3 groups of 4 counters each. Count them all: 4, 8, 12. So 3 x 4 = 12.Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The 3 Times Table Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt and you need to find the secret code to open the treasure chest. The code is a number from the 3 times table. You have 3 dice and 3 cards. Every time you roll a dice and draw a card, you must multiply the number on the dice by the number on the card, then add it to your treasure score. First time: You roll a 4 and draw a 3. What is 4 x 3? Second time: You roll a 5 and draw a 2. What is 5 x 2? Third time: You roll a 6 and draw a 4. What is 6 x 4? Add your answers together to get your treasure score. If your score is 30 or more, you open the chest!Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 3 x 7 = 20
Why it happens: Confusing 3 x 7 with 3 + 7 = 10
Fix: Count in 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21. So 3 x 7 = 21 - Mistake: Forgetting 3 x 0 = 0
Why it happens: Thinking you can’t multiply by 0
Fix: Remember 0 groups of 3 = 0 - Mistake: Mixing up 3 x 9 and 3 x 8
Why it happens: Similar answers and not practicing them
Fix: Use counters or skip count to see the difference
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help by:- Playing 3 times table games with children for 5-10 minutes daily
- Using real objects like counters, cubes, or snacks to show 3 groups
- Encouraging children to say the 3 times table out loud and clap the rhythm
- Using a timer to make it more exciting, like "Can you say 3 x 8 in 5 seconds?"
- Noticing when children make mistakes and gently guiding them to the right answer
Practice questions
- What is 3 x 7?
- What is 3 x 10?
- What is 3 x 0?
- What is 3 x 11?
- What is 3 x 12?
- 21
- 30
- 0
- 33
- 36
3 Times Table Facts
| 3 Times Table | Answer |
|---|---|
| 0 x 3 | 0 |
| 1 x 3 | 3 |
| 2 x 3 | 6 |
| 3 x 3 | 9 |
| 4 x 3 | 12 |
| 5 x 3 | 15 |
| 6 x 3 | 18 |
| 7 x 3 | 21 |
| 8 x 3 | 24 |
| 9 x 3 | 27 |
| 10 x 3 | 30 |
| 11 x 3 | 33 |
| 12 x 3 | 36 |
FAQ
What is the easiest way to learn the 3 times table?
The easiest way is to use games with dice, cards, and counters. You can also practice counting in 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36.
Can I use a timer to help learn the 3 times table?
Yes! You can set a timer for 1 minute and try to say all the 3 times table facts as fast as you can. Then try to beat your time.
How can I use the 3 times table in real life?
You can use it when you share 3 cookies with each of your friends, count 3 legs on each cat, or figure out how many wheels are on 4 cars (4 x 3 = 12).
What if I forget a 3 times table fact?
Count in 3s or use counters to show 3 groups. For example, if you forget 3 x 5, make 3 groups of 5 and count them: 5, 10, 15.
Are there any fun songs for the 3 times table?
Yes! You can sing the 3 times table to a tune or make up your own. Try clapping or jumping while you say the numbers.