3rd Grade PSSA Math FREE Sample Practice Questions
TL;DR: Got 15 to 20 free minutes with your 3rd grader? Try this short set of PSSA Math sample questions for a low-pressure check-in. Each item matches the Pennsylvania grade 3 test format, mixing multiple choice and open-ended response, with worked-out answers for at-home review. You’ll see what the real PSSA looks like and walk away knowing which topics deserve another study session before test day.
Key takeaways:
- Sample set matches PSSA grade 3 format: multiple choice and one open-ended (constructed-response) item.
- Coverage: multiplication and division within 100, fractions, area, place value, and word problems.
- No calculator at grade 3.
- Pennsylvania Core Standards line up with Common Core for grade 3 math.
- Proficient is the on-grade-level performance level.
Preparing your student for the 3rd Grade PSSA Math test? To succeed on the PSSA Math test, students need to practice as many real PSSA Math questions as possible. There’s nothing like working on PSSA Math sample questions to measure your student’s exam readiness and put him/her more at ease when taking the 3rd Grade PSSA Math test. The sample math questions you’ll find here are brief samples designed to give students the insights they need to be as prepared as possible for their 3rd Grade PSSA Math test.
Check out our sample 3rd Grade PSSA Math practice questions to find out what areas your student needs to practice more before taking the 3rd Grade PSSA Math test!
Start preparing your student for the 2026 PSSA Math test with our free sample practice questions. Also, make sure to follow some of the related links at the bottom of this post to get a better idea of what kind of mathematics questions students need to practice.
The Absolute Best Book to Ace the 3rd Grade PSSA Math Test
4- What is the value of “A” in the following equation?
\(21 + A + 9 = 44\)
A. 10
B. 12
C. 14
D. 20
5- Mr. smith usually eats four meals a day. How many meals does he eat in a week?
A. 21
B. 24
C. 28
D. 30
6- What is the value of A in the equation \(72 ÷ A = 8\)
A. 2
B. 6
C. 7
D. 9
7- Use the models below to answer the question.
\(
\)
Which statement about the models is true?
A. Each shows the same fraction because they are the same size.
B. Each shows a different fraction because they are different shapes.
C. Each shows the same fraction because they both have 3 sections shaded.
D. Each shows a different fraction because they both have 3 shaded sections but a different number of total sections.
8- To what number is the arrow pointing?
\(
\)
A. 36
B. 38
C. 40
D. 42
9- Emily has 108 stickers and she wants to give them to nine of her closest friends. If she gives them all an equal number of stickers, how many stickers will each of Emily’s friends receive?___________
10- The following models are the same size and each is divided into equal parts.
The models can be used to write two fractions.
\(
\)
Based on the models, which of the following statements is true?
A. \(\frac{2}{8}\) is bigger than \(\frac{4}{16}\).
B. \(\frac{2}{8}\) is smaller than \(\frac{4}{16}\).
C. \(\frac{2}{8}\) is equal to \(\frac{4}{16}\).
D. We cannot compare these two fractions only by using the models.
Best 3rd Grade PSSA Math Prep Resource for 2026
Answers:
1- A
\(8000 – 658 = 7342\)
2- D
\(14 × 40 = 560\)
3- C
24,589 is the sum of \(20,000; 4,000; 500; 80;\) and 9
4- C
\(A = 44 – (21 + 9)\)
\(A = 14\)
5- C
In 1 day 4 meals so \(4 × 7 = 28\) meals a week.
6- D
\(A = 72 ÷ 8\)
\(A= 9 \)
7- D
the model for the first fraction is divided into 6 equal parts. We shade 3_6 to show the same amount as 1_2. The model for the second fraction is divided into 8 equal parts. We shade 3_ 8 that it shows these two models are different fractions.
8- C
The arrow shows exactly the middle of two numbers 35 and 45, so the answer is 40
9- 12
\(108 ÷ 9 = 12\)
10- C
the model for the first fraction is divided into 8 equal parts. We shade 2_ 8 to show the same amount as 1_ 4. The model for the second fraction is divided into 16 equal parts. We shade 4_ 16 to show the same amount as 1_ 4.
Looking for the best resource to help you succeed on the 3rd Grade PSSA Math test?
The Best Books to Ace the 3rd Grade PSSA Math Test
Recommended EffortlessMath Books
For a workbook your child can use alongside these sample questions, Mastering Grade 3 Math covers every Pennsylvania Core Standard with worked examples. For extra open-ended and word-problem practice (a big PSSA focus), see Mastering Grade 3 Math Word Problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the 3rd grade PSSA Math test?
The full grade 3 PSSA Math has about 55-65 questions across three sessions. Most items are multiple choice, but each session includes 1-2 open-ended (constructed-response) questions where your child shows work for partial credit.
Is a calculator allowed on the 3rd grade PSSA?
No. Pennsylvania doesn’t allow calculators on the grade 3 math test. Multiplication facts through \(10\times 10\) need to be automatic, and your child should handle multi-digit addition, subtraction, and basic division on paper.
How long does the PSSA Math take?
The three sessions run about 60 minutes each, with most third-graders finishing in 45-55 minutes per session. Sessions are usually spread across two or three school days. Total math testing time is roughly 2.5-3 hours.
What’s a passing score on the 3rd grade PSSA?
Pennsylvania reports four levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. Proficient is the on-grade-level mark schools target. There’s no automatic retention rule at grade 3 tied to PSSA scores – district policies vary.
Can my child retake the PSSA Math?
No. The grade 3 PSSA is given once per year, in the spring. The spring score is the official record. Schools may use their own diagnostic tests during the year, but those don’t replace PSSA.
What math topics are on the 3rd grade PSSA?
Multiplication and division within 100, fractions on a number line, equivalent fractions, area and perimeter of rectangles, place value to 1,000, multi-digit addition and subtraction, time to the minute, measurement, and reading bar and picture graphs.
How long should we study for the PSSA Math?
For an on-grade-level child, 4-6 weeks at 15-20 minutes a day is enough. For a child who’s struggling, 8-12 weeks at 25 minutes daily. Multiplication-fact fluency is the single best investment of your prep time at grade 3.
Where can we find more 3rd grade PSSA practice?
EffortlessMath has the Top 10 PSSA Math Practice Questions, a longer full-length PSSA Math practice test, additional question sets, and the Mastering Grade 3 Math workbook with worked examples for every Pennsylvania standard.
Does the PSSA align with Common Core?
Yes, mostly. Pennsylvania Core Standards are Common Core-aligned for grade 3 math with state-specific clarifications and some renaming. The major topics – multiplication, fractions, area, place value – match Common Core exactly.
How can I help my child prep at home?
Three habits work: (1) 5 minutes of multiplication-fact drill daily, (2) one word problem at dinner where your child explains the steps, and (3) one short timed practice set on the weekend. Have your child write a sentence with each answer on open-ended items – PSSA scorers reward clear explanations.
Related EffortlessMath Lessons
If a topic on this page feels rusty, these short lessons go deeper:
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