Grade 3 · Math · Operations

3rd Grade Two-Step Word Problems worksheets

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Two-Step Word Problems

Grade 3 Math Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer, or write the answer on the line.

Ivy had some ribbons. She gave away 15, then got 3 packs of 8. Now she has 40. How many did she have at the start?
2.
A baker packs 72 muffins in boxes of 8. She gives away 3 boxes. How many boxes are left?
- 9
- 6
- 12
- 69
3.
A shop gets 5 boxes of 8 mugs. 6 mugs break. The rest go on 2 shelves equally. Which steps solve it?
- multiply, subtract, then divide
- multiply, add, then divide
- divide, subtract, then multiply
- add, subtract, then divide
4.
What is (56 ÷ 8) × 6?
- 36
- 48
- 7
- 42
5.
Gina folds 63 paper stars in 7 days, the same each day. Kim folds 4 more each day than Gina. How many does Kim fold each day?
- 67
- 5
- 13
- 9
Some erasers were shared equally by 4 children. Then each child got 2 more. Now each child has 9. How many erasers were shared at first?
7.
A school has 6 classes with 8 students each. 9 students are absent. Ana says 47 students are here. Is 47 reasonable?
- No. 48 − 9 is about 40, not 47.
- Yes. 6 × 8 is about 47.
- No. 48 + 9 is 57, not 47.
- Yes. 48 − 9 is close to 47.
A red train has 9 cars with 6 seats each. A blue train has 7 cars with 5 seats each. How many more seats does the red train have?
9.
A pool has 7 lanes with 8 swimmers in each. Then 9 swimmers leave and 5 more arrive. How many swimmers are there now?
- 60
- 52
- 47
- 42
A shop had some bagels. It sold 6 trays of 8 bagels. Now 15 bagels are left. How many were there at the start?

3rd Grade Two-Step Word Problems worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

This Grade 3 math worksheet gives focused practice with two-step word problems using short, self-checking problems. The Grade 3 reference book revisits the skill through models, equations, and word problems, so this page rotates across direct calculation, reasoning, visual interpretation, and explanation prompts. Students should read what the question asks before choosing an operation or model. Each level has its own questions: support versions use friendlier numbers and three answer choices, standard versions work at grade level, and challenge versions add two-step and reasoning questions.

Encourage children to write or say the equation that matches the story, then check whether the answer fits the context. The goal is not just getting a number; it is explaining why that number answers the particular Grade 3 problem. Each item keeps the standard narrow enough for practice while still using varied situations so the page does not feel like one repeated drill.

What your child will learn

Use the target Grade 3 standard
Connect models and equations
Solve in context
Check answers with reasoning

Common Core standard: 3.OA.D.8

Worked example

A strong answer matches the model, the operation, and the words in the problem.

Common mistake

Using a remembered procedure without checking what the problem is asking.

Helpful hint

Match the numbers to the model or story before calculating.

Next skill: Arithmetic Patterns Earlier: Multiply and Divide Fluently

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with two-step word problems?

Using a remembered procedure without checking what the problem is asking.

How can I help my child with two-step word problems?

Match the numbers to the model or story before calculating.

Are these 3rd grade math worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade operations

See all operations

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