What patterns does a 3rd grader work with?

Sequences built on adding or subtracting the same amount, like 7, 14, 21 or 60, 55, 50. Your child finds the rule and writes the next numbers.

My child guesses the next number without finding the rule. What helps?

Ask them to say the rule out loud before writing anything. If they can't state it, have them label the jump between each pair of numbers first.

3rd grade number patterns

3rd grade number patterns worksheets

Number pattern worksheets for 3rd grade give a sequence built on an add or subtract rule (like 5, 10, 15 or 90, 80, 70) and ask your child to continue it. Spotting the rule trains children to see structure in arithmetic.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 3.OA.D.9.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of problems you'll get

Complete each number pattern.

10, 12, 14, , 18
Answer: 16
255, 252, , 246, 243
Answer: 249
86, 93, 100, , 114
Answer: 107

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on a 3rd grade sheet

The sample sheet above has 10 problems. Its answers run from 16 to 249.

Number patterns. Complete each number pattern. 10 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

How to teach this

Have your child write the jump between each pair of numbers above the sequence. If every jump matches, that's the rule. Read patterns aloud with rhythm; the ear often catches skip counting before the eye does. When a pattern shrinks, ask "growing or getting smaller?" before anything else.

Watch for: Kids check only the first jump. Test the rule between every pair of numbers before continuing the pattern. Kids assume every pattern adds. Some subtract or multiply, so compare the neighbors both ways before deciding.

Common questions about 3rd grade number patterns

What patterns does a 3rd grader work with?: Sequences built on adding or subtracting the same amount, like 7, 14, 21 or 60, 55, 50. Your child finds the rule and writes the next numbers.
My child guesses the next number without finding the rule. What helps?: Ask them to say the rule out loud before writing anything. If they can't state it, have them label the jump between each pair of numbers first.

Related worksheets

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Aligned to Common Core 3.OA.D.9. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

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