What Are the Multiples of 3? Complete List, Examples for Kids

The multiples of 3 are numbers that can be divided by 3 with no remainder. The first multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30. You can find them by multiplying 3 by 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on, or by adding 3 each time.

Understanding multiples of 3 is a key skill in the U.S. Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, covered in 4th grade under Operations & Algebraic Thinking (standard 4.OA.B.4). Students learn to determine whether a whole number is a multiple of a given one-digit number, recognize relationships between factors and multiples, and use them to solve real-world problems.

Learn Multiples of 3 Tool

What Are Multiples of 3?

A multiple of 3 is the product of 3 and a whole number.

For example:

• 3 x 1 = 3
• 3 x 2 = 6
• 3 x 3 = 9
• 3 x 4 = 12
• 3 x 5 = 15

So, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 are multiples of 3.

Simple Definition

A multiple of 3 is any number that appears in the 3 times table.

If a number can be divided by 3 evenly, it is a multiple of 3.

Examples:

• 12 is a multiple of 3 because 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
• 21 is a multiple of 3 because 21 ÷ 3 = 7.
• 25 is not a multiple of 3 because 25 ÷ 3 has a remainder.

Formula for Multiples of 3

How to Explain Multiples of 3 Simply to a Child

A simple way is to say:

“Start at 3. Then keep adding 3.”

So we get:

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30...

This is called skip counting by 3.

You can also use real objects. Put counters, blocks, or pencils into groups of 3.

For example:

• 1 group of 3 = 3
• 2 groups of 3 = 6
• 3 groups of 3 = 9
• 4 groups of 3 = 12

This helps children see the pattern clearly.
Clap your hands and count 3, 6, 9, 12… — it helps remember the pattern!

Multiples of 3 on a Number Line

Multiples of 3 can be shown on a number line. Start at 0. Then jump 3 spaces each time.

As you can see, the sequence continues indefinitely, creating an infinite list of multiples of 3.

Properties of Multiples of 3

Multiples of 3 have several interesting properties that make them useful in various mathematical applications. Understanding these properties can help you recognize patterns and solve problems more efficiently.

Is 0 a Multiple of 3?

Yes, 0 is a multiple of 3. In fact, 0 is a multiple of every number, including 3. This is because 0 can be divided by any number without leaving a remainder. For example, 0 ÷ 3 = 0, which means 0 is a multiple of 3.

Are the Multiples of 3 Always Odd or Even?

No, the multiples of 3 are not always odd or even. When 3 is multiplied by an even number, the product is even, and when 3 is multiplied by an odd number, the product is odd. When 3 is multiplied by an odd number, the product is odd because 3 times an odd number results in an odd product. For example:

• 3 × 2 = 6 (even)
• 3 × 3 = 9 (odd)

This pattern continues indefinitely, showing that multiples of 3 can be either odd or even depending on the number they are multiplied by.

To provide a clearer picture, here are the multiples of 3 up to 80 and 100.

Odd and Even Multiples of 3

Multiples of 3 can be classified into odd and even numbers:

• Odd Multiples of 3: These are numbers like 3, 9, 15, etc. They are not divisible by 2, meaning they leave a remainder when divided by 2. When there is an odd number of threes, there are leftover elements that cannot be paired, resulting in an additional unpaired group.
• Even Multiples of 3: These include numbers like 6, 12, 18, etc. These are divisible by 2 without any remainder.

In summary, the multiples of 3 consist of both odd and even integers, demonstrating the diversity within this series of numbers.

Multiples of 3 Complete List

How Many Multiples of 3 Are in 100?

To find this, we divide:

100 ÷ 3 = 33 remainder 1

That means:

• The largest multiple of 3 less than or equal to 100 is 99
• There are 33 multiples of 3 in 100

Answer:
There are 33 multiples of 3 between 1 and 100.

First 20 Multiples of 3

Multiples of 3 up to 100

The multiples of 3 up to 100 are:

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 93, 96, 99.

There are 33 positive multiples of 3 up to 100.

Multiples of 3 up to 150

The multiples of 3 up to 150 are:

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, 66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 93, 96, 99, 102, 105, 108, 111, 114, 117, 120, 123, 126, 129, 132, 135, 138, 141, 144, 147, 150.

There are 50 positive multiples of 3 up to 150.

Multiples of 3 up to 1000

There are 333 positive multiples of 3 up to 1000.

The first one is 3.

The last one below 1000 is 999.

1000 is not a multiple of 3 because 1 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 1, and 1 is not divisible by 3.

How to Identify Multiples of 3

There are two easy and kid-friendly ways to check if a number is a multiple of 3.

Method 1: Skip Counting by 3

Start at 0 and keep adding 3 each time:

0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, …

If you can reach the number by counting like this, it’s a multiple of 3.

✅ Example:
Is 24 a multiple of 3?
Yes! You can reach 24 by skip counting.

Method 2: Digit Sum Rule (Very Useful!)

Add all the digits of the number:

• If the sum is a multiple of 3, then the number is also a multiple of 3.

✅ Example 1:
Is 42 a multiple of 3?
4 + 2 = 6 → 6 is a multiple of 3 → ✅ Yes

❌ Example 2:
Is 25 a multiple of 3?
2 + 5 = 7 → 7 is not a multiple of 3 → ❌ No

This trick works even for big numbers and is great for quick checks.

Common Multiples of 3 and Other Numbers

A common multiple is a number that is a multiple of both numbers at the same time.
When we talk about common multiples of 3 and another number, we are looking for numbers that appear in both lists.

Common Multiples of 3 and 4

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 24, 27, 30, 36 …
• Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 …

Common multiples of 3 and 4:
12, 24, 36, 48, …

The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 4 is 12.

Common Multiples of 3 and 5

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 …
• Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 …

Common multiples of 3 and 5:
15, 30, 45, 60, …

The LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.

Common Multiples of 3 and 6

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, 24, 30 …
• Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 …

Common multiples of 3 and 6:
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, …
The LCM is 6.

Common Multiples of 3 and 7

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 42 …
• Multiples of 7: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 …

Common multiples of 3 and 7:
21, 42, 63, …

The LCM of 3 and 7 is 21.

Common Multiples of 3 and 8

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, 48 …
• Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 …

Common multiples of 3 and 8:
24, 48, 72, …

The LCM of 3 and 8 is 24.

Common Multiples of 3 and 9

• Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 27 …
• Multiples of 9: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45 …

Common multiples of 3 and 9:
9, 18, 27, 36, 45, …
The LCM is 9.

Quick Summary Table

Examples and Solved Problems

Example 1

Is 15 a multiple of 3?
15 ÷ 3 = 5 → whole number
✅ Yes, 15 is a multiple of 3.

Example 2

Is 22 a multiple of 3?
2 + 2 = 4 → not a multiple of 3
❌ No, 22 is not a multiple of 3.

Example 3

Find the next three multiples of 3 after 18.
18 + 3 = 21
21 + 3 = 24
24 + 3 = 27

✅ Answer: 21, 24, 27

Example 4

Is 0 a multiple of 3?
3 × 0 = 0
✅ Yes, 0 is a multiple of 3.

Example 4

Is 0 a multiple of 3?
3 × 0 = 0
✅ Yes, 0 is a multiple of 3.

Example 5

How many multiples of 3 are there?
There is no limit. Multiples of 3 go on forever.

Multiplication Tables

Multiplication Tables From 2-12

This collection of multiplication resources is designed to support mastery of Common Core State Standards for Operations and Algebraic Thinking. Specifically, it aligns with CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.C.7, which requires students to fluently multiply and divide within 100, and 4.OA.B.4, focusing on factors and multiples. By exploring these tables, learners develop the algebraic foundation necessary for mental math fluency and higher-level problem solving.

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