Two-Step Word Problems Worksheets for 3rd Grade
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Prints on one US Letter page; the answer key is a separate page. Print at 100% / "Actual size" on US Letter paper. Free for personal and classroom use. Version 1 of 10. Choose another version.
Skill: Solving two-step word problems with all four operations
Teaching tips and what to try next
In a two-step problem, the first answer is a stepping stone, so ask your child what they need to find first. A letter for the unknown (like n) is expected in 3rd grade, and a quick estimate checks if the answer is reasonable. Try Multiplication Word Problems, or multistep problems in Multistep Word Problems (Grade 4) (4th grade).
10 versions, each with its own answer key
Same skill and layout, a fresh set of problems in every version, so children can keep practicing without repeating a page. Problems are not repeated between versions unless a skill has only a small number of possible problems (for example, the addition facts within 10).
- Version 1: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 2: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 3: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 4: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 5: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 6: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 7: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 8: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 9: Sheet · Key · Both
- Version 10: Sheet · Key · Both
Download all 10 versions (one PDF)All 10 answer keys (PDF)
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About this worksheet
Two-step word problems ask children to do two things before they reach the answer, such as multiplying to find a total and then subtracting what was used. They are a big part of third-grade math because they build planning skills: what do I need to find first? This third-grade worksheet gives eight two-step problems that mix addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Each sheet has one of each story type: buying packs of stickers, sharing pencils among tables after giving some away, finding the chairs that are filled, spending money on two items, packing muffins into boxes, counting juice boxes that are left, counting bike and tricycle wheels, and finding how many pages are left to read. Every step works out to a whole number, with no remainders, and every number stays within 100. Each problem has room to show work and an answer line, and the ten versions use new numbers and names.
How to use it: teach a simple routine. Read the problem, underline the question, and ask, "What do I need to know first?" Have your child write the first step as its own equation, then use that answer in the second equation. Drawing a quick picture or a bar model helps with the sharing and grouping stories. At the end, ask whether the answer makes sense; for example, there cannot be more empty chairs than chairs in the room.
The answer key lists every answer with its unit. This worksheet supports Common Core standard 3.OA.D.8. For one-step practice, try our Multiplication Word Problems worksheet and our Division Word Problems worksheet.