Money and making change is a key Grade 3 math skill that helps students manage real-life situations at stores, lunch lines, and school fundraisers. In Grade 3, students learn the value of each common coin: a penny is 1 cent, a nickel is 5 cents, a dime is 10 cents, and a quarter is 25 cents. Four quarters equal one dollar, which is written as $1.00 or 100 cents. Grade 3 students also practice counting mixed coin combinations, such as 2 quarters plus 3 dimes equals 80 cents, by counting by 25s, 10s, 5s, and 1s. A major focus in Grade 3 is calculating change from $1, $5, and $10 bills using subtraction. For example, if a pencil costs 65 cents and a child pays with $1, the change is 35 cents. With $5 and $10 bills, students subtract dollar and cent amounts, such as $5.00 minus $3.45 equals $1.55. Grade 3 learners also practice dollar and cent notation, writing amounts clearly with a dollar sign and decimal point. Mastering these money skills gives Grade 3 students confidence with real-world math.
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Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
Money and Making Change
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These money and making change worksheets help grade 3 students develop essential math skills through engaging activities.
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Grade 3 students sometimes mix up the values of a nickel and a dime, thinking the larger coin is worth more; remind them a dime is 10 cents even though it is smaller than a nickel.
- In Grade 3, learners often forget to line up the decimal points when subtracting dollar and cent amounts, so $5.00 - $3.45 is miscounted; always stack the decimals neatly before subtracting.
- Grade 3 students may count quarters by 20s instead of 25s when finding change; practice skip counting by 25s (25, 50, 75, 100) so counting coins becomes quick and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I count change?
In Grade 3, start from the item price and count up to the bill given, adding coins step by step. For a 65 cent item paid with $1, count 65, then add a dime to reach 75, another dime for 85, and a nickel and dime for 100, giving 35 cents change.
What are the four main coin values in Grade 3?
In Grade 3 money, the four main coins are the penny (1 cent), the nickel (5 cents), the dime (10 cents), and the quarter (25 cents). Learning these values lets Grade 3 students count combinations up to $1 quickly and make change with confidence.
How do I write money using dollar and cent notation in Grade 3?
In Grade 3, money is written with a dollar sign and a decimal point. The digits to the left of the decimal show dollars, and the two digits to the right show cents. So 3 dollars and 45 cents is written as $3.45, and 85 cents alone is written as $0.85.
How do I calculate change from $5 or $10?
In Grade 3, subtract the price from the bill amount. For a $3.45 book paid with $5, compute $5.00 - $3.45 = $1.55 change. For a $6.25 shirt paid with $10, compute $10.00 - $6.25 = $3.75 change. Line up decimals carefully to get the right Grade 3 answer.
How many coins make one dollar in Grade 3?
In Grade 3 money, one dollar equals 100 cents, so 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels, or 100 pennies each equal $1. Students can also mix coins, for example 3 quarters plus 2 dimes plus 1 nickel equals 100 cents in Grade 3.
Are these worksheets really free?
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Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.