3rd Grade SBAC Math Practice Test Questions
TL;DR: Got a third grader prepping for SBAC Math? These free practice questions are matched to Smarter Balanced content standards and cover what the test leans on hardest at this level: multiplication, fractions, area, place value, and the multi-step performance task that trips up a lot of third graders. Work through them with your child, talk through the reasoning, and you will spot which topics still deserve a little more time.
Key takeaways:
- SBAC (Smarter Balanced) is used in CA, OR, WA, NV, ID, HI, CT, DE, VT, SD, and ND.
- Grade 3 Math SBAC has a computer-adaptive section plus a performance task, about 40-45 items total.
- No calculator at grade 3 – the calculator tool turns on at grade 6.
- Items include multiple choice, multi-select, drag-and-drop, equation editor, and the open-ended performance task.
- SBAC is fully Common Core-aligned, so any CCSS prep transfers directly.
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 SBAC Math Prep Resource for 2026
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 SBAC Math test?
The Best Books to Ace the 3rd Grade SBAC Math Test
Recommended EffortlessMath Books
For a workbook your child can use alongside these practice questions, Mastering Grade 3 Math covers every Common Core grade 3 standard – perfect for SBAC. For the multi-step word problems on the performance task, see Mastering Grade 3 Math Word Problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the 3rd grade SBAC Math test?
The grade 3 SBAC Math has about 35-40 items in the computer-adaptive section plus one performance task with 4-6 connected questions. Total items vary because the adaptive section adjusts to your child’s responses, but most kids see around 40-45 items overall.
Is a calculator allowed on the 3rd grade SBAC?
No. Smarter Balanced disables the on-screen calculator at grades 3, 4, and 5. The calculator tool turns on at grade 6 and above. Your child needs multiplication facts through \(10\times 10\) memorized and must handle multi-digit addition, subtraction, and basic division by hand.
How long does the SBAC Math take?
The computer-adaptive section runs about 90-120 minutes for most third-graders. The performance task adds another 30-60 minutes, usually on a separate day. Total SBAC math testing time is roughly 2.5-3 hours split across two or three sessions.
What’s a passing score on the 3rd grade SBAC?
SBAC reports four achievement levels: Level 1 (below standard), Level 2 (nearly met), Level 3 (met), and Level 4 (exceeded). Level 3 is the on-grade-level mark schools target. There’s no state-mandated promotion rule tied to grade 3 SBAC scores.
Can my child retake the SBAC Math?
No. The grade 3 SBAC is given once per year in the spring. The spring score is the official record. Schools may give other diagnostic assessments during the year, but those don’t replace SBAC.
What math topics are on the 3rd grade SBAC?
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 (length, mass, liquid volume), and reading bar and picture graphs.
How long should we study for the SBAC 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 comes first – it sets up division, fractions, area, and the multi-step word problems on the performance task.
Where can we get more 3rd grade SBAC practice?
EffortlessMath has a free SBAC Math sample set, the Top 10 SBAC Math Practice Questions, additional practice sets, and the Mastering Grade 3 Math workbook that covers every CCSS grade 3 standard with worked examples.
Does the SBAC align with Common Core?
Yes. SBAC was built specifically from Common Core State Standards, so the alignment is one-to-one. Any CCSS-aligned grade 3 prep material is a direct fit for the SBAC, including content from non-SBAC CCSS states.
How can I help my child prep at home?
Three habits help: (1) 5 minutes of multiplication-fact drill daily, (2) one word problem at dinner where your child explains the steps, and (3) some practice clicking through computer-based questions so the on-screen format isn’t a distraction. For the performance task, practice having your child write a short explanation alongside each answer.
Related EffortlessMath Lessons
If a topic on this page feels rusty, these short lessons go deeper:
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