Fractions — Year 3 Maths

Year 3 fractions: what pupils learn

Year 3 is where fractions grow from halves and quarters into a proper part of the number system. Pupils learn that a fraction is a number in its own right, not just a shaded part of a shape, and start working with tenths for the first time.

By the end of Year 3, the National Curriculum expects pupils to:

• count up and down in tenths, and understand that tenths come from dividing an object, a number or a quantity into 10 equal parts
• find and write fractions of a set of objects, using unit fractions (like 1/4) and non-unit fractions (like 3/4) with small denominators
• show equivalent fractions with small denominators using diagrams
• add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole, for example 5/7 + 1/7 = 6/7
• compare and order unit fractions, and fractions with the same denominator
• solve problems using all of the above

Key vocabulary

fraction, numerator, denominator, unit fraction, non-unit fraction, equivalent, tenth, equal parts, whole, compare, order

How it builds

Year 3 extends Year 2’s work on halves, quarters and thirds. In Year 4, pupils move on to families of equivalent fractions, hundredths, and the link between fractions and decimals.

Frequently asked questions

Why is 1/4 smaller than 1/3?
With unit fractions, the bigger the denominator, the more equal parts the whole is split into, so each part is smaller. Drawing the same bar split into thirds and quarters makes this easy to see.

What is the difference between a unit and a non-unit fraction?
A unit fraction has 1 as its numerator (1/2, 1/5, 1/8). A non-unit fraction has a numerator greater than 1 (2/5, 3/4).

How can I help my child with fractions at home?
Use everyday sharing: cutting a pizza or sandwich into equal parts, sharing sweets equally, or folding paper. Ask “what fraction is left?” as you go.

Start with our free resources, or get every Year 3 maths lesson with a membership.