The 3 times table
The 3 times table has a neat digit trick that lets you check your answers.
3 times table, 1 to 12
- 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
Tricks for the 3 times table
Double and add one more
3 × 6 is double 6 (12) plus one more 6, which makes 18.
Digit-sum check
Add up the digits of any answer in the 3 times table and you get 3, 6 or 9. For 27, 2 + 7 = 9. For 48, 4 + 8 = 12 and 1 + 2 = 3.
Skip count in threes
3, 6, 9, 12, 15 … Chant it to a steady beat and say the numbers on the beat.
Look for the pattern
Answers alternate odd and even: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and so on.
An example
A pack holds 3 pencils. How many pencils are in 9 packs?
9 × 3 = 27 pencils.
Once you can do these in your head, try the 3 times table game and see how big a beat you can build.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a number is in the 3 times table?
Add its digits. If the digit total is in the 3 times table (3, 6, 9, 12 …), then so is the number.
Why do 3s feel harder than 2s?
There is no simple doubling shortcut, so it takes a little more practice. Skip counting in threes helps a lot.