Times table tricks › The 3s · En español

The 3 times table trick

Double the number, then add one more of it.

1. 3 × 7
2. 7 + 7 = 14
3. 14 + 7 = 21

1. Double it: 3 × 7 starts with 7 + 7 = 14.
2. Add one more 7: 14 + 7 = 21.

Examples

• 3 × 7: 14 + 7 = 21
• 3 × 12: 24 + 12 = 36

Why it works

3 groups is 2 groups plus 1 more group.

Try it: 10 questions

The 3 times table

• 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

Printable sheet (PDF) The trick, the full table and 20 practice problems with answers, on one page.

Flash cards (PDF)

Common questions

Is there a pattern in the 3 times table?

Yes. The digits of every answer add up to a multiple of 3: 12 (1 + 2 = 3), 27 (2 + 7 = 9), 36 (3 + 6 = 9).

More tricks: 2 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12. Or take the 1-minute multiplication test.