3rd Grade Math Word Problems Worksheets

Grade 3 word problem worksheets

We've created a wide selection of printable math word problem worksheets for grade 3 students.  Math word problems help deepen a student's understanding of mathematical concepts by relating mathematics to everyday life. 

These worksheets are best attempted after a student has studied the underlying skill; for example, our 'addition in columns" word problem worksheets should not be attempted until students are comfortable with addition in columns. 

In many of our word problems we intentionally include superfluous data or information, so that students need to read and think about the questions carefully, rather than simply applying a computation pattern to solve the problems.

Addition word problems for third grade

These addition word problem worksheets cover both simple addition and addition in columns, as well as some mixed addition and subtraction word problems.

Subtraction word problems

These third grade  subtraction word problem worksheets cover simple subtraction and column form subtraction.

Multiplication word problems

These grade 3 multiplication word problem worksheets cover simple multiplication, multiplication by multiples of 10 and multiplication in columns as well as some mixed multiplication and division.  Students should be reasonably proficient at multiplication in columns before attempting the more difficult problems.

Division word problems

These third grade division word problem worksheets cover both simple division and long division.  Long division questions are relatively simple (numbers 1-100) with answers expressed with remainders.

Fraction word problems

These 3rd grade fraction word problems cover identifying fractions and adding and subtracting fractions.

Mixed 3rd grade word problems

The following worksheets contain a mix of grade 3 addition, subtraction, multiplication and division word problems.  Mixing math word problems is the ultimate test of understanding mathematical concepts, as it forces students to analyze the situation rather than mechanically apply a solution.  

Mixed word problems - mental math 

Simple computations that can be done mentally.

Mixed word problems - column math

More challenging computations, typically 2 or 3 digit numbers.

Mixed word problems - simpler form

These problems have shorter texts and no superfluous data, so the principal challenge is to choose which of the 4 basic operations to use.

Measurement word problems for grade 3

These word problems combine the 4 operations with real world units of length, time, volume and mass.

Length word problems

Length and height word problems in inches, feet, centimeters and meters.  No conversions of units.

Time word problems

Time & elapsed time word problems; intervals to the nearest minute. Conversion of hours to/from minutes.

Mass & weight word problems

Mass and weights in ounces, pounds, grams and kilograms.  No conversion of units.

Volume & capacity word problems.

Volume and capacity in fluid ounces, cups, gallons, milliliters and liters.  No conversion of units.

Word problems with variables

These grade 3 word problems introduce students to using variables ("x, y, .....") to represent unknowns. The problems are relatively simple, but emphasize the use of variables and the writing of equations.

Word problems with variables  (variable is chosen for the student)

Writing variables to solve word problems (student chooses the variable)