X Tables
Times Tables

3 times table skip-counting practice

Count forwards and backwards in 3s with number lines, movement games and call-and-response practice.

Quick answer

Skip-counting in 3s means counting by threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and so on. You can count forwards and backwards in 3s, and it helps you learn the 3 times table.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count forwards and backwards in 3s, and you will know the 3 times table up to 12 x 3. Success signs:
  • You can count by 3s out loud from 0 to 36
  • You can count backwards by 3s from 36 to 0
  • You can say what 3 x 7 is without counting
  • You can use skip-counting to solve simple problems

Why this matters

Skip-counting in 3s is a helpful way to learn your 3 times table. It helps you understand how multiplication works, and it makes it easier to solve problems like sharing 12 cookies between 3 friends or counting how many legs 5 spiders have. In games and sports, you might count 3s when scoring points, counting steps, or jumping rope. You also use skip-counting when you're cooking and need to double a recipe or when you're walking and count your steps in groups of 3.

How it works

Skip-counting in 3s means you start at 0 and add 3 each time. You can do this on a number line, with your hands, or by jumping or clapping. Step-by-step:
  1. Start at 0
  2. Add 3 to get the next number
  3. Keep adding 3 to get the next number
  4. Count up to 36 (that’s 12 jumps of 3)
You can also count backwards. Start at 36 and subtract 3 each time.

Examples you can see

Counting forwards in 3s:
Jump Number
1st 0
2nd 3
3rd 6
4th 9
5th 12
6th 15
7th 18
8th 21
9th 24
10th 27
11th 30
12th 33
13th 36
Counting backwards in 3s:
Jump Number
1st 36
2nd 33
3rd 30
4th 27
5th 24
6th 21
7th 18
8th 15
9th 12
10th 9
11th 6
12th 3
13th 0
Real-world example: Imagine you have 5 groups of 3 apples. How many apples do you have in total? You can count by 3s: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15. So 5 groups of 3 apples = 15 apples. This is the same as 5 x 3 = 15.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic 3s Quest You are on a quest to find 3 magical treasure chests. Each chest is hidden in a different place. To find each chest, you must count by 3s from 0 to 36.
  1. 1st chest: 3 steps from start
  2. 2nd chest: 6 steps from start
  3. 3rd chest: 9 steps from start
  4. 4th chest: 12 steps from start
  5. 5th chest: 15 steps from start
  6. 6th chest: 18 steps from start
  7. 7th chest: 21 steps from start
  8. 8th chest: 24 steps from start
  9. 9th chest: 27 steps from start
  10. 10th chest: 30 steps from start
  11. 11th chest: 33 steps from start
  12. 12th chest: 36 steps from start
Can you find all the treasure chests by counting in 3s? You can do this by walking, jumping, or clapping each step.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add 3 each time.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get distracted or forget the pattern.
    Fix: Use your fingers or a number line to help you count. Say “3, 6, 9, 12” and watch for the pattern.
  • Mistake: Counting backwards but subtracting 2 instead of 3.
    Why it happens: Sometimes children mix up the numbers.
    Fix: Count backwards slowly and use a number line to check your work.
  • Mistake: Saying 3 x 4 = 10.
    Why it happens: This is a common mix-up with times tables.
    Fix: Practice counting by 3s and remember: 3 x 4 = 12. Count 3, 6, 9, 12.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practising skip-counting with their child using fingers or a number line
  • Playing games like “Count by 3s” during car rides or walks
  • Using everyday objects like blocks or toys to show groups of 3
  • Encouraging children to count in 3s when they are playing or moving
  • Not worrying if the child makes a mistake – it's part of learning
To help your child at home:
  • Start with counting from 0 to 12 x 3
  • Use fun voices or songs to make counting fun
  • Ask your child to count backwards from 36 to 0
  • Play a game where you say a number and your child says the next one in the 3s pattern

Practice questions

  1. Count forwards in 3s from 0 to 36. What is the 6th number?
  2. Count backwards in 3s from 36 to 0. What is the 5th number?
  3. What is 3 x 9?
  4. What is 3 x 11?
  5. What is 3 x 0?
Answers:
  1. 15
  2. 24
  3. 27
  4. 33
  5. 0

FAQ

What is skip-counting?

Skip-counting means counting by a number other than 1. For example, counting by 3s means you say 3, 6, 9, 12, and so on.

Why is skip-counting helpful?

It helps you learn your times tables faster. It also helps you solve problems more quickly.

Can I count backwards in 3s?

Yes! Counting backwards in 3s means subtracting 3 each time. For example: 36, 33, 30, 27, 24, and so on.

How can I practice skip-counting?

You can practice by jumping, clapping, or walking in groups of 3. You can also use a number line or count with your fingers.

What comes after 33 in the 3s pattern?

After 33 comes 36. That's because 33 + 3 = 36.

3 Times Table Facts

3 x 0 0
3 x 1 3
3 x 2 6
3 x 3 9
3 x 4 12
3 x 5 15
3 x 6 18
3 x 7 21
3 x 8 24
3 x 9 27
3 x 10 30
3 x 11 33
3 x 12 36