3rd Grade PSSA Math Practice Test Questions
TL;DR: Got a third grader prepping for PSSA Math in Pennsylvania? These free practice questions are matched to Pennsylvania Core Standards and cover what the test leans on hardest at this level: multiplication, fractions, area, place value, and the open-ended response items where PSSA scoring is the toughest. Work through them with your child, talk about the reasoning behind any misses, and you will spot which topics still need a little more time.
Key takeaways:
- Grade 3 PSSA Math has about 55-65 questions across three sessions.
- Item types include multiple choice and 1-2 open-ended (constructed-response) items per session.
- No calculator at grade 3.
- Pennsylvania Core Standards align closely with Common Core for grade 3 math.
- Performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced – Proficient is the on-grade-level mark.

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. 30
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 Math Prep Resource for 2027
Answers:
1- A
\(8000 – 658 = 7342\)
2- D
\(14 × 40 = 560\)
3-D
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 25 and 35, so the answer is 30.
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 Math test?
The Best Books to Ace the 3rd Grade Math Test
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For a workbook your child can use alongside these practice 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
Can grade 3 students use a calculator on the PSSA math test?
No. Pennsylvania does not allow calculators on the grade 3 PSSA Math test, so every problem is solved by hand or mentally. That makes multiplication facts through 10 × 10 and quick subtraction with regrouping, such as 503 − 278 = 225, especially important. Practice with paper and pencil only so your third grader is used to showing work the way PSSA expects.
What do PSSA scores mean?
PSSA results place each student in one of four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient or Advanced. Proficient means your child has met Pennsylvania’s grade-level expectations in math, and Advanced means the work is above grade level. The score report also breaks results into reporting categories, so you can see whether numbers and operations or measurement and data needs more attention.
What is a good PSSA score?
A score in the Proficient or Advanced range is considered good, because it shows your child has met or exceeded grade-level standards. The exact scaled score needed for each level is set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and differs by grade and subject. For a third grader, Basic is a signal to keep practicing core skills like multiplication and fractions, not a reason to worry.
Do PSSA scores matter?
PSSA scores are used mainly to measure how well schools and districts are teaching the Pennsylvania standards, and they help teachers spot where students need support. Some schools also look at them, along with grades and other tests, when placing students in programs. For a third grader, the most useful part is the breakdown that shows which math skills to strengthen next.
How do I find my child’s PSSA scores?
PSSA score reports are shared through your child’s school or district, usually as an Individual Student Report sent home or posted in the district’s parent portal some time after spring testing. If you have not received a report, contact the school office or your child’s teacher and ask when grade 3 math results will be available.
What is the PSSA grade 3 math item sampler?
The item sampler is a free set of sample PSSA questions published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, with answers and scoring guidance. The grade 3 math sampler includes multiple-choice items and open-ended questions with sample responses, which show how points are earned for explaining work. Newer samplers are posted each year, so use the most recent one alongside released items.
Related EffortlessMath Lessons
If a topic on this page feels rusty, these short lessons go deeper:
- How to multiply and divide
- How to add and subtract multi-digit numbers
- How to compare fractions
- How to find the area of a rectangle
- How to solve word problems
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