What is the distributive property in 3rd grade?

It's breaking one factor apart to make a fact easier: 6 × 7 = 6 × 5 + 6 × 2. Third graders use it to reach hard facts through ones they already know.

Does my child need to memorize the property names?

Not yet. Third grade is about using the moves. The formal names matter more when algebra arrives.

3rd grade properties of multiplication

3rd grade properties of multiplication worksheets

Properties of multiplication worksheets give 3rd graders fill-in equations built on the commutative, associative, and distributive properties. The star is the distributive property: splitting 6 × 7 into 6 × 5 + 6 × 2 turns a hard fact into two easy ones.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 3.OA.B.5.

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

Use the structure of each equation to fill the empty place.

2 × 5 = (2 × 1) + (2 × )
Answer: 4
5 × 7 = (5 × 1) + (5 × )
Answer: 6
3 × 4 = (3 × 1) + (3 × )
Answer: 3

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 12 problems. Its answers run from 2 to 11.

Multiplication properties. Use the structure of each equation to fill the empty place. 12 problems per page.
Multiplication property reasoning. Select the statement that correctly uses or explains the property. 5 problems per page.

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

How to teach this

Skip the property names at first. Kids need the moves, not the vocabulary. Ask "which fact in here do you already know?" so splitting 6 × 7 into 6 × 5 + 6 × 2 feels like a shortcut, not a rule. Arrays help: cut a 6-by-7 grid of dots into a 6-by-5 piece and a 6-by-2 piece, then count each part.

Watch for: Kids think switching the order changes the answer. 8 × 4 and 4 × 8 both make 32, so start from whichever fact you know best. Kids multiply only one piece of a split, writing 6 × 7 = 6 × 5 + 2. Both parts get multiplied, so it's 6 × 5 + 6 × 2.

Common questions about 3rd grade properties of multiplication

What is the distributive property in 3rd grade?: It's breaking one factor apart to make a fact easier: 6 × 7 = 6 × 5 + 6 × 2. Third graders use it to reach hard facts through ones they already know.
Does my child need to memorize the property names?: Not yet. Third grade is about using the moves. The formal names matter more when algebra arrives.

Related worksheets

Ready to print one?

Need a fresh set of problems? Print another copy. The difficulty you picked above stays.

Aligned to Common Core 3.OA.B.5. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 240, updated October 2026.

Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets