Last updated on July 15th, 2025
3-digit addition is a basic arithmetic operation where each addend has three digits. The 1-digit addition can be performed more easily or by mental math. In 3-digit addition, we add two or more numbers together, with or without regrouping. In this article, we will learn how to perform 3-digit addition and its key steps in detail.
There are four basic arithmetic operations in math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Addition is a mathematical operation where we add two or more numbers together to find the result. The result of adding numbers is known as the sum. The symbol used to represent addition is ‘+’. In our daily life, we use addition to calculate the values and measure quantities. For example, to calculate the daily income, scores on exams, or to calculate the score in games.
Two parts of addition are addends and the sum. The numbers that are added are the addends, and the result is the sum. To add numbers, we first arrange the numbers based on the place values, then add the digits from the ones place, then tens, and hundreds. In 3-digit addition, the numbers range from 100 to 999 and can be done with or without regrouping. Moreover, we have to follow some steps to perform this type of addition. They are:
Step 1: According to the place values - ones, tens, and hundreds - arrange the numbers one below the other.
Step 2: Start adding from right to left, so we start from the one place, then the tens, then the hundreds.
Step 3: After finishing the addition, write the result as the sum.
The 3-digit addition without regrouping is when the sum of the digits in each place value is less than or equal to 9. The numbers in the same place columns will be added, and then the result is written under the corresponding column. We can learn this using an example :
Let us add 257 and 432.
Step 1: First, add the numbers under the ones column.
7 + 2 = 9
Write 9 in the ones column.
Step 2: Add the numbers in the tens column.
5 + 3 = 8
Put 8 in the tens column.
Step 3: Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds column.
2 + 4 = 6
Write 6 in the hundreds' column.
Therefore, the sum of 257 and 432 is 689.
Addition with regrouping can be done if the sum of digits in any place column is greater than 9, we carry over the extra value to the next place column on the left. For instance, we can learn 3-digit addition with regrouping by adding 671 and 154.
Step 1: To begin, add the numbers in the ones column.
1 + 4 = 5
Write 5 in the ones column.
Step 2: Add the numbers in the tens column.
7 + 5 = 12
Write 2 in the tens column and carry 1 to the hundreds' column.
Step 3: Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds' column. This means 6 + 1 + 1 (carry over).
6 + 1 + 1 = 8
Write 8 in the hundreds' column.
Therefore, the sum of 671 and 154 is 825.
In our daily lives, we use the 3-digit addition method in various situations, from counting to planning events for a large group. Here are some real-world applications of this type of addition.
3-digit addition is a simple arithmetic operation that enhances our basic mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. However, students often make some mistakes when they work with this type of addition and derive incorrect sums. Here are some common errors and helpful solutions to avoid these mistakes.
Perform 3-digit addition on the given numbers: 349 + 276
625
To perform 3-digit addition, first, we need to arrange the given numbers according to their place values.
Then, the problem becomes:
349 +
276
To begin with, add the numbers under the ones place column.
9 + 6 = 15
Write 5 in the ones place and carry over 1 to the tens place.
Next, add the numbers in the tens place.
4 + 7 + 1 (carry over) = 12
Write 2 in the tens place and carry over 1 to the hundreds place.
Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds place.
3 + 2 + 1 (carry over) = 6
Write 6 in the hundreds place.
349 + 276 = 625
Hence, the sum of the 3-digit numbers 349 and 276 is 625.
Find the sum of 285 and 198.
483
We need to arrange the numbers based on their place values.
285 +
198
We will start the addition from right to left.
First, add the numbers in the ones place.
5 + 8 = 13
Write 3 in the ones place and carry over 1 to the tens place.
Next, add the numbers in the tens place.
8 + 9 + 1 (carry over) = 18
Write 8 in the tens place and carry over 1 to the hundreds place.
Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds place.
2 + 1 + 1 (carry over) = 4
Write 4 in the hundreds place.
285 + 198 = 483.
Therefore, the sum of 285 and 198 is 483.
Add the 3-digit numbers: 611 + 477.
1088
Here, we have to add the 3-digit numbers:
611 +
477
Let us start by adding 1 and 7 in the ones place.
1 + 7 = 8
Next, add the numbers in the tens place.
1 + 7 = 8
Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds place.
6 + 4 = 10
As, the sum is 10, so we write the 0 in hundreds places and carry 1 to the thousands place.
So, 611 + 477 = 1088
Hence, the total when 611 and 477 are added together is 1088.
Find the sum of 976 and 832.
1808
To begin with, arrange the numbers according to their place value.
976 +
832
First, add the numbers in the ones place.
6 + 2 = 8
Write 8 in the ones place.
Secondly, add the numbers in the tens place.
7 = 3 = 10
Write 0 in the tens place and carry over 1 to the hundreds place.
Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds place.
9 + 8 + 1 (carry over) = 18
As the sum is 18, we write 8 in hundreds place and carried over 1 to thousand place
Write the final result as the sum.
976 + 832 = 1808
Hence, adding the 3-digit numbers 976 and 832 gives a sum of 1808.
Perform 3-digit addition on the given numbers: 543 + 281.
824
We need to perform 3-digit addition on the given numbers:
543 +
281
First, add the numbers in the ones place.
3 + 1 = 4
Write 4 in the ones place.
Next, add the numbers in the tens place.
4 + 8 = 12
Write 2 in the tens place and carry over 1 to the hundreds place.
Finally, add the numbers in the hundreds place.
5 + 2 + 1 (carry over) = 8
Write 8 in the hundreds place.
543 + 281 = 824
Therefore, when you add 543 and 281, the result is 824.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.