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How to learn the 3 times table

Child-friendly steps for learning the 3 times table using skip-counting in threes with triangles, trios and rhythms.

Quick answer

You can learn the 3 times table by counting in threes, using groups of three, drawing triangles, and making rhythms or songs to help you remember.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know the 3 times table from 0 to 12 and be able to use it to solve simple maths problems. Success signs:
  • You can count in threes from 0 to 36.
  • You can show 3 times any number using groups of three.
  • You can solve simple multiplication problems using the 3 times table.
  • You can use a rhythm or song to help remember the 3 times table.

Why this matters

Learning the 3 times table helps you do maths faster and easier. It is useful for:
  • Sharing items equally between 3 people
  • Counting things in groups of 3
  • Helping with bigger multiplication problems
  • Playing games that use scores or points
  • Understanding how many things you have when they come in groups of 3

How it works

The 3 times table is about groups of 3. When you multiply by 3, you are making equal groups of 3 things. You can count them in threes to help you remember the answers. Start by learning to count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36. This is called skip-counting. Then, you can use these groups to solve multiplication problems. For example, 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4 things. You can draw 3 groups of 4 triangles to see that 3 × 4 = 12.

Examples you can see

Here is the 3 times table from 0 to 12:
3 × Answer
0 0
1 3
2 6
3 9
4 12
5 15
6 18
7 21
8 24
9 27
10 30
11 33
12 36
Let’s look at some real examples: Example 1: You have 3 bags. Each bag has 4 apples. How many apples are there in total? Draw 3 groups of 4 apples:
  • Group 1: 4 apples
  • Group 2: 4 apples
  • Group 3: 4 apples
So, 3 × 4 = 12 apples. Example 2: You are planting flowers in rows. Each row has 3 flowers. How many flowers are in 5 rows? Draw 5 rows with 3 flowers in each:
  • Row 1: 3 flowers
  • Row 2: 3 flowers
  • Row 3: 3 flowers
  • Row 4: 3 flowers
  • Row 5: 3 flowers
So, 5 × 3 = 15 flowers. Example 3: You are making triangles with sticks. Each triangle needs 3 sticks. How many sticks do you need for 6 triangles? Draw 6 triangles, each with 3 sticks:
  • Triangle 1: 3 sticks
  • Triangle 2: 3 sticks
  • Triangle 3: 3 sticks
  • Triangle 4: 3 sticks
  • Triangle 5: 3 sticks
  • Triangle 6: 3 sticks
So, 6 × 3 = 18 sticks.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Triangle Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt and must find 3 triangles for each clue. You have 8 clues to solve. How many triangles do you need in total? Draw 8 clues, each with 3 triangles:
  • Clue 1: 3 triangles
  • Clue 2: 3 triangles
  • Clue 3: 3 triangles
  • Clue 4: 3 triangles
  • Clue 5: 3 triangles
  • Clue 6: 3 triangles
  • Clue 7: 3 triangles
  • Clue 8: 3 triangles
Count the triangles: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 24 triangles. So, 8 × 3 = 24 triangles. Now, try this challenge: Challenge: How many triangles do you need for 10 clues? Answer: 10 × 3 = 30 triangles.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 3 × 3 = 9, but forgetting that 3 × 3 = 9.
    Why it happens: Sometimes children mix up multiplication facts.
    Fix: Practice with arrays or groups of 3 and write the facts down.
  • Mistake: Counting in twos instead of threes.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when counting.
    Fix: Use a rhythm or chant like “3, 6, 9, 12” and practice with your fingers.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that 3 × 0 = 0.
    Why it happens: Zero is tricky because it doesn’t seem like it should make a group.
    Fix: Think of 3 × 0 as 3 groups with 0 things in each group – that makes 0 things.
  • Mistake: Adding instead of multiplying.
    Why it happens: Children may add 3 + 3 + 3 instead of multiplying 3 × 3.
    Fix: Show that 3 × 3 is the same as 3 groups of 3, which is 3 + 3 + 3 = 9.

Parent and carer guide

Learning the 3 times table is a fun way to build your child’s confidence in maths. Here’s how you can help:
  • Practice together: Count in threes every day. Sing a song or say it out loud. You can do it while walking, driving, or cooking.
  • Use objects: Use counters, blocks, or even snacks to make groups of 3.
  • Play games: Make a game where you say a number and your child says the 3 times table answer.
  • Use real life: When you’re shopping, ask how many items you’d have if you bought 3 of something.
  • Don’t worry about speed: It’s okay if it takes time. Learning takes practice.

Practice questions

  1. What is 3 × 2?
  2. What is 3 × 5?
  3. What is 3 × 8?
  4. What is 3 × 10?
  5. What is 3 × 12?
Answers:
  1. 6
  2. 15
  3. 24
  4. 30
  5. 36

FAQ

What is the 3 times table?

The 3 times table is a list of numbers you get when you count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36.

How can I remember the 3 times table?

You can use skip-counting, draw groups of 3, use songs or rhythms, or make flashcards.

Why is the 3 times table useful?

It helps you solve problems about groups of 3, like sharing items or counting items in rows.

Can I use the 3 times table for bigger numbers?

Yes! Once you know 3 × 4 = 12, you can use that to help with 3 × 40 = 120.

What if I forget a 3 times table fact?

You can count in threes, draw groups, or use your fingers to help you remember.