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3 times table chants and rhythms

Original chant, clap and beat ideas for helping children remember the 3 times table without copying any existing song.

Quick answer

You can learn the 3 times table by clapping, chanting, and moving to rhythms that help your brain remember the numbers. These fun chants use patterns, beats, and songs to make 3 x 1 = 3, 3 x 2 = 6, and so on up to 3 x 12 = 36 easy to remember.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to use clapping, chanting, and rhythm to learn the 3 times table from 0 to 12, and you will be able to count in 3s with your hands, voice, or body. Success signs:
  • You can say the 3 times table from 0 to 12 out loud in a rhythm
  • You can clap or tap a beat to match each 3 times table fact
  • You can use a chant to help you remember 3 x 7 = 21 or 3 x 12 = 36
  • You can make your own 3 times table chant with a friend

Why this matters

Learning the 3 times table with songs and rhythms helps your brain remember the numbers faster and more easily than just memorising them. When you use your body, voice, and movement, it makes the maths more fun and connects the facts to your everyday life. This is useful for school work, games, and even counting things like football goals, cookies, or steps to your bedroom.

How it works

When you learn a times table with rhythm and chant, you use your body and voice to make the numbers stick. You can:
  1. Count in 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36
  2. Clap or tap a beat for each number
  3. Make a song or chant that repeats the facts
  4. Use your fingers or hands to show the numbers

Examples you can see

Let's try a simple chant to help remember 3 x 4 = 12:
  • Clap once for 3
  • Clap twice for 6
  • Clap three times for 9
  • Clap four times for 12
Here is the full 3 times table with rhythm ideas:
3 x Answer Rhythm idea
0 0 Clap once, then no claps
1 3 Clap once for 3
2 6 Clap twice for 6
3 9 Clap three times for 9
4 12 Clap four times for 12
5 15 Clap five times for 15
6 18 Clap six times for 18
7 21 Clap seven times for 21
8 24 Clap eight times for 24
9 27 Clap nine times for 27
10 30 Clap ten times for 30
11 33 Clap eleven times for 33
12 36 Clap twelve times for 36

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a 3 times table treasure hunt!
  • 1st time: Count 3s with your fingers (hold up 1 finger for 3)
  • 2nd time: Clap once for 3, twice for 6, three times for 9
  • 3rd time: Say the chant "Three, six, nine, twelve" while clapping
  • 4th time: Make up a silly dance for 3 x 5 = 15
  • 5th time: Race to say 3 x 8 = 24 without counting
You can also play a game with a friend:
  • One person says a 3 times table fact
  • The other claps the answer
  • Switch turns

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 3 x 4 = 10 or 3 x 5 = 14
  • Why it happens: Not using rhythm or visual patterns to help
  • Fix: Practice clapping 4 times for 12, or 5 times for 15
  • Mistake: Mixing up 3 x 7 = 21 and 3 x 8 = 24
  • Why it happens: Numbers close together can confuse the brain
  • Fix: Use a different rhythm for each number, like a slow beat for 21 and a fast beat for 24
  • Mistake: Forgetting 3 x 0 = 0
  • Why it happens: Zero is hard to imagine
  • Fix: Clap once, then no claps for 3 x 0

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn the 3 times table with chants and rhythms in just 5-10 minutes:
  • Start with 1 to 5 times 3, then go up
  • Clap or tap along with your child
  • Make up silly movements or dances for each number
  • Use a timer for 30 seconds to see how many facts they can say
  • Don’t worry if they get confused at first – it takes time to remember

Practice questions

  1. How many claps do you make for 3 x 3?
  2. What is 3 x 6?
  3. Clap 5 times. What is that 3 times table fact?
  4. What is 3 x 10?
  5. Make a 3 times table chant for 3 x 7
Answers:
  1. 3 claps
  2. 18
  3. 3 x 5 = 15
  4. 30
  5. Chant: "Three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, twenty-one"

FAQ

What is a good way to learn the 3 times table?

Using clapping, singing, and moving to a rhythm helps your brain remember the numbers more easily.

Can I make my own 3 times table chant?

Yes! You can use your voice, clapping, or even a drum to make your own chant.

How can I practice at home?

Clap or tap the rhythm while saying the numbers. You can also use your fingers or draw pictures to show 3s.

Why do songs help with maths?

Songs and rhythms make your brain remember facts faster because they use more parts of your brain.

What if I forget a fact?

Use your rhythm or chant again. You can also count by 3s using your fingers or draw an array to help.