The 3 times table is all about counting and multiplying in groups of three. Once you recognize the pattern of multiples of 3, calculations such as 3 × 6 or 3 × 9 become much easier to recall.
Use the interactive lesson below to learn the table of 3 from 3 × 1 to 3 × 12, practice the facts you find difficult, and test how quickly you can answer them.
The idea to remember
Multiplying by 3 means making equal groups of three.
For example: 3 × 4 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
Learn • Practice • Master
Learn the 3 times table from 1 to 12, practice the facts you miss, then test your speed.
Multiplication chart
| 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 |
Memory helper
Practice mode
What is
Speed test
Answer as many 3 times table questions as you can before the timer ends.
Speed question
Understand multiplication
Multiplication becomes easier to understand when you picture equal groups. In the 3 times table, every group contains exactly three items.
For example, imagine 5 boxes with 3 pencils in each box. There are 15 pencils altogether, so 3 × 5 = 15.
This connection between multiplication and equal groups is useful because it helps you understand where the answer comes from instead of simply memorizing it.
Number pattern
One of the easiest ways to become familiar with the 3 times table is to count forward in steps of three.
Each number is exactly 3 greater than the previous one. If you know that 3 × 6 = 18, for example, you can add another 3 to find that 3 × 7 = 21.
18 + 3 = 21, so if you know 3 × 6, you can quickly find 3 × 7.
Useful shortcut
If you already know your 2 times table, you can use it to work out multiplication by 3.
Start by doubling the number, then add the number one more time.
For example, to calculate 3 × 8, double 8 first:
8 × 2 = 16
Then add one more 8:
16 + 8 = 24
Therefore, 3 × 8 = 24. This strategy can be especially helpful while you are still learning the table.
A useful check
There is a useful mathematical pattern that can help you recognize whether a whole number is divisible by 3.
Add the digits of the number together. If that total is divisible by 3, the original number is also divisible by 3.
Because 3 and 9 are both divisible by 3, the numbers 12, 21 and 27 are multiples of 3.
You do not need this trick to memorize the table, but it is a useful way to check whether an answer could be correct.
Try it mentally
Try solving these without looking back at the multiplication chart. Use skip counting or the doubling-plus-one-more strategy if you need help.
Common challenge
The beginning of the table is often easy to remember because 3, 6, 9 and 12 form a familiar counting pattern. The middle facts can require more practice.
3 × 6 = 18
3 × 7 = 21
3 × 8 = 24
3 × 9 = 27
If one of these calculations takes you longer than the others, use the Practice mistakes mode in the interactive tool above. It saves the multiplication facts you miss so you can concentrate on them again.
Quick answers
3 × 3 = 9.
3 × 6 = 18.
3 × 7 = 21. You can find it by taking 3 × 6 = 18 and adding another 3.
3 × 8 = 24.
3 × 9 = 27.
3 × 12 = 36.
Practice counting in steps of three, connect multiplication to equal groups, and use facts you already know to calculate nearby answers. Short, repeated practice sessions usually work better than trying to memorize the entire table at once.
This page, all exercises and multiplication games online are provided free of charge. Our main goal is to make mathematics education and mind training more simple and comfortable.
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