What does Grade 3 math cover? A guide for parents
An overview of the main topics in US Grade 3 math, including multiplication, division, fractions, area and measurement.
Grade 3 is a big year in maths. In most US schools following the Common Core standards, the work centres on four main areas.
1. Multiplication and division
This is the largest part of the year. Children learn what multiplication and division mean, solve word problems with equal groups and arrays, and aim to know all multiplication facts up to 10 × 10 from memory by the end of the year.
2. Fractions
Children start to see fractions as numbers. They work with unit fractions like 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4, place fractions on a number line, and compare simple fractions with the same numerator or denominator.
3. Area and perimeter
Area is introduced by counting square units, and then linked to multiplication: a rectangle 4 squares by 6 squares has an area of 24. Children also find the perimeter of shapes.
4. Measurement and data
Telling time to the nearest minute, measuring liquid volume and mass, and reading and drawing bar graphs and picture graphs.
Also practised
Adding and subtracting within 1,000 and rounding numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
How to help at home
If you can only focus on one thing, focus on multiplication. It supports fractions, area and division, and confidence with facts makes the rest of the year easier.