How it works
These area worksheets for 3rd grade open on eight small grids of unit squares to count. The other sheets add the rows, multiply two labeled sides, and split rectangles and L shapes into parts. No sheet asks for a perimeter.
Read the full guide
Count, then multiply
Common Core grade 3 starts with unit squares (3.MD.5 and 3.MD.6): a grid of 3 rows of 4 holds 12. Add the rows on small grids: 4 + 4 + 4 writes that count as an addition, and Rectangles in inches and feet, sides 2 to 6 drops the squares and labels two sides: 6 × 3 = 18 square feet.
Split a rectangle to multiply
Standard 3.MD.7c uses area to show the distributive property. Cut at 10: 4 × 13 = 4 × 10 + 4 × 3 draws the dashed line and the pupil adds 40 + 12. The L shape sheets (3.MD.7d) cut a shape into two rectangles the same way.
- The labeled rectangles and L shapes are not drawn life size, and those sheets say so.
Questions and answers
Are there area and the distributive property 3rd grade worksheets here?
Yes, the Cut sheets under Split the shape. Each draws a rectangle cut by a dashed line, such as 7 × 16 as 7 × 10 + 7 × 6, and the key gives both products and the sum, 70 + 42 = 112.
How is area taught in 3rd grade?
In Common Core order: count unit squares, see that rows of squares match a multiplication, multiply side lengths, then split rectangles and L shapes into parts and add the areas. The Sheet type menu follows that order.
What is a square unit?
The area of a square whose sides are 1 unit long. A shape that 12 such squares cover without gaps or overlaps has an area of 12 square units.
Do the sheets come with answers?
Yes. The key is page 2 of the print and shows the working, such as Area = 20 square units (5 rows of 4: 5 × 4). Uncheck Answer key before printing to leave it off.