Table of 3
Flip it
3 × 7 is the same as 7 × 3. Know one, know the other!
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The 3 times table is the first one children have to memorise without an obvious trick like doubling or a fixed ending digit. A couple of clever shortcuts still make it manageable.
| Calculation | Answer |
|---|---|
| 3 × 1 | 3 |
| 3 × 2 | 6 |
| 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 |
Digit sum is always 3, 6 or 9
Add the digits of an answer until you have one digit: it is always 3, 6 or 9. 3 × 7 = 21 → 2 + 1 = 3. 3 × 8 = 24 → 2 + 4 = 6. A handy way to check your answer.
Double and add one more
3 × a number equals 2 × that number + the number. 3 × 7 = 2 × 7 + 7 = 14 + 7 = 21. If you know the 2 times table, you have a stepping stone to the 3 times table.
Skip-count by 3
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30. Read this sequence aloud a few times. Many children learn the table faster from the sequence than from isolated facts.
Children typically learn the multiplication tables in Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7–9). The tables of 2, 5 and 10 are taught first, then 3, 4 and 6, and finally the harder tables of 7, 8 and 9. Most children know all tables up to 10 by the end of Grade 3.
What is 3 × 7?+
3 × 7 = 21. Quick check: 2 + 1 = 3, so the digit sum fits the 3 times table.
Is the 3 times table hard?+
Not very. It is harder than 2, 5 and 10, but easier than 7 and 8. With the 'double + add one more' trick it is mastered quickly.
Which tricks work for the 3 times table?+
The digit-sum rule (digits add up to 3, 6 or 9) is a good check. The 'double + 1 more' trick rescues you when you forget an answer. And the skip-counting sequence 3, 6, 9, 12… helps with memorisation.
What grade do children learn the 3 times table?+
The 3 times table is introduced in late Grade 2 or early Grade 3.
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