Multiplication — 3rd Grade Lesson
Students will understand multiplication as equal groups, recall multiplication facts to 12, and use arrays and the distributive property.
3rd Grade · Multiplication · ~25 min lesson
What is multiplication?
Multiplication is fast addition of equal groups. 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4, which is the same as 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
3 × 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12
The key rules
- × 0: anything times 0 is 0. 7 × 0 = 0.
- × 1: anything times 1 is itself. 6 × 1 = 6.
- Order doesn’t matter (commutative): 3 × 4 = 4 × 3 = 12.
Arrays
An array is a picture of multiplication — rows and columns of dots.
3 × 4 = a grid with 3 rows and 4 columns = 12 dots.
Arrays show why order doesn’t matter: turning the array sideways still shows 12.
Skip counting
Skip counting is counting by the same number. It’s how the times tables build:
- Count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
- Count by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
The distributive property
Break a hard fact into easier ones.
7 × 6 = (7 × 5) + (7 × 1) = 35 + 7 = 42
Missing factors
Some problems give the product and ask for the missing factor:
___ × 6 = 42 → 7 (because 7 × 6 = 42)
How to practice at home
- Equal groups in real life: “5 plates with 3 crackers each — how many crackers?”
- Skip-counting songs to lock in the 2s, 5s, and 10s.
- Array hunt: spot arrays at home (egg cartons, muffin tins) and count them.
- 5 minutes a day of fact flashcards builds automatic recall.
Practice with the exercises above, then download these free printable worksheets:
Practice Exercises
Try these on your own, then reveal the answer to check.
What does 4 × 3 mean in words?
💡 Multiplication is adding equal groups.
What is 7 × 0?
💡 Any number times 0 is 0.
What is 6 × 1?
💡 Any number times 1 is itself.
What is 8 × 5?
💡 Skip count by 5s eight times.
Find the missing factor: ___ × 6 = 42
💡 What times 6 is 42? 7 × 6 = 42.
There are 5 bags with 3 apples in each. How many apples total?
💡 5 groups of 3 = 5 × 3 = 15.
Printable Worksheets
Put this lesson into practice with free, printable worksheets — each with an answer key.
Before You Start
- Addition facts
- Skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Confusing 3 × 5 with 3 + 5
- Forgetting the × 0 and × 1 rules
What to Learn Next
Browse more Multiplication worksheets or explore all 3rd Grade worksheets.
Related Worksheets
2 Times Table Worksheet
Practice the 2 times table through 2 x 12. The 2s are simply doubles.
10 Times Table Worksheet
Practice the 10 times table through 10 x 12 - the easiest table, thanks to place value.
Multiplication Facts 0–5 Worksheet
Build quick, accurate recall of multiplication facts with factors 0 through 5.
Multiplication Facts to 12 Worksheet
Practice mixed multiplication facts through 12 x 12 to build times-table fluency.
Multiplication Arrays Worksheet
Connect rows and columns to multiplication by writing a number sentence for each array.
Multiplication Word Problems Worksheet
Apply multiplication to real-world equal-groups situations with short, clear word problems.
Missing Factors Multiplication Worksheet
Find the missing factor in each equation — a powerful bridge between multiplication and division.
Distributive Property (Break Apart) Worksheet
Use the distributive property: break a factor into two easier facts, then add the products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiplication facts should a 3rd grader know?
All facts to 12 × 12 by the end of the year. Start with 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s, then build from there using skip counting and related facts.
What is the commutative property?
The order doesn't matter: 3 × 4 = 4 × 3 = 12. Learning half the table once doubles the facts your child knows.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.