Grade 3 · Math · Operations

3rd Grade Two-Step Word Problems worksheets

6 printable versionsBuilding ConfidenceAbout 10 minutes eachFree · no account

When it’s done, scan the sheet with your phone and PencilGo marks it and picks the next one. Create a free account

★

Tired of searching for worksheets?

We’ll email one free Grade 3 worksheet every school day. Your child does it on paper. No account needed.

Version

Two-Step Word Problems

Grade 3 Math Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

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

1.
Tom has 10 marbles. He wins 4, then loses 3. Which shows how many he has now?
- 10 + 4 − 3
- 10 − 4 + 3
- 10 + 4 + 3
A class has 9 red cups and 7 blue cups. They use 5 cups. How many cups are left?
3.
A farmer has 3 baskets of 4 eggs. He finds 6 more eggs. Which two steps solve how many eggs he has?
- add, then subtract
- multiply, then subtract
- multiply, then add
4.
Ben has 12 stickers. He gets 5 more, then gives 6 to his sister. How many stickers does he have now?
- 23
- 13
- 11
5.
What is (2 × 7) + 3?
- 17
- 12
- 11
Zoe has 15 beads. She uses 6 beads, then buys 4 more. How many beads does she have?
7.
3 boxes have 5 crayons each, and 2 crayons break. Which expression matches?
- 3 × (5 − 2)
- (3 × 5) − 2
- (3 × 2) + 5
8.
Ana has 3 packs of 4 cards. She gives 5 cards away. What is the first step?
- 3 + 4
- 3 × 4
- 4 × 5
9.
This array shows rows of flowers in a garden. Dad plants 4 more flowers. How many flowers are there now?
- 15
- 12
- 19
Jay has 20 cents. He spends 8 cents on a pencil and 5 cents on an eraser. How many cents are left?

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

Every sheet you scan goes into your child’s record: dated, marked and ready for the year-end portfolio. Homeschool records