Multiplication facts: 3 & 4
Theory
Multiplication facts for 3 and 4 is a Year 3 maths skill: recalling the 3 times table and 4 times table by skip counting, reading arrays and number lines, and using the doubling trick for fours. This page shows how to build and remember every three and four fact up to 10. Curriculum: VC2M3A03 / AC9M3A03.
A multiplication fact tells you how many are in a number of equal groups. The fact \(3 \times 6\) means 3 groups of 6, or 6 groups of 3 — the answer is the same either way.
To find a three fact, skip count by 3: \(3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, \ldots\). Each jump adds one more three. To find a four fact, skip count by 4: \(4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, \ldots\).
Fours have a handy shortcut. A four fact is double a two fact, so \(4 \times 7\) is double \(2 \times 7 = 14\), which is \(28\). You can also double twice: double the number, then double the answer.
The threes and fours grow in a steady pattern. Skip count to build each list.
| × | 3 facts | 4 facts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 2 | 6 | 8 |
| 3 | 9 | 12 |
| 4 | 12 | 16 |
| 5 | 15 | 20 |
| 6 | 18 | 24 |
| 7 | 21 | 28 |
| 8 | 24 | 32 |
| 9 | 27 | 36 |
| 10 | 30 | 40 |
How to work out a 3 or 4 fact
- Read the groups. Decide how many groups there are and how many are in each group.
- Skip count or double. For a three fact, count on by 3. For a four fact, count on by 4, or double a two fact.
- Check the last number. The number you land on after all the groups is the answer, so \(4 \times 2 = 8\).
For a missing number, or to find how many groups make a total, skip count by the group size until you reach the total, then count the jumps.
| \(3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24\) | \(\text{eight threes}\) | |
| \(3 \times 8\) | \(=\) | \(24\) |
The answer is \(24\).
| \(\text{double } 7\) | \(=\) | \(14\) |
| \(\text{double } 14\) | \(=\) | \(28\) |
| \(4 \times 7\) | \(=\) | \(28\) |
The answer is \(28\).
| \(\text{rows} \times \text{in each row}\) | ||
| \(3 \times 6\) | \(=\) | \(18\) |
There are \(18\) dots.
| \(4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40\) | \(\text{ten fours}\) | |
| \(4 \times 10\) | \(=\) | \(40\) |
The missing number is \(10\).
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
What is 3 times 8?
\(3 \times 8 = 24\). Skip count by threes: \(3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24\). Eight threes make 24.
What is the doubling trick for the 4 times tables?
A four fact is double a two fact. For \(4 \times 7\), work out \(2 \times 7 = 14\), then double it to get \(28\). You can also double a number twice: 7 doubles to 14, and 14 doubles to 28.
How do you skip count by threes?
Start at 0 and add 3 each time: \(3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30\). Each jump of 3 is one more three, so the eighth number is \(3 \times 8 = 24\).
Does 4 times 7 equal 7 times 4?
Yes. The order does not change the answer. \(4 \times 7\) and \(7 \times 4\) both equal \(28\). This is called the turnaround fact.
How do you work out a multiplication fact from an array?
Count the number of rows and the number in each row, then multiply. An array with 3 rows of 6 dots shows \(3 \times 6 = 18\).
How do you find a missing number in a 3 or 4 fact?
Skip count by the number you know until you reach the total, then count the jumps. For \(3 \times \square = 12\), count \(3, 6, 9, 12\). That is 4 jumps, so the missing number is 4.