These represent fractions with tape diagrams worksheets for grade 3 include two printable pages with 14 total fraction tasks. The first worksheet, Tape Diagram Fraction Start, asks students to count shaded parts, count all equal parts, write the fraction, and identify the numerator and denominator. The second worksheet, Shade the Tape Fractions, includes eight blank tape diagrams for fractions such as 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/6, 5/6, 3/8, and 7/8. Students move from reading completed visual models to creating the requested shaded fractions themselves.
Tape diagrams show one whole as a rectangular bar divided into equal sections. The number of shaded sections becomes the numerator, while the total number of equal sections becomes the denominator. The worksheets use clear black-and-white models that students can shade with pencils, crayons, or colored pencils.
Represent Fractions with Tape Diagrams Worksheets for Grade 3
The Tape Diagram Fraction Start worksheet contains six completed visual models. Each problem provides spaces for students to record the shaded parts, total parts, fraction, numerator, and denominator.
The models represent 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, 1/4, 3/4, and 2/6. Students must count the sections rather than relying only on the visible size of the shaded area. This helps connect the written fraction to the structure of the tape diagram.
For example, one tape is divided into three equal sections with two shaded. Students record two shaded parts, three total parts, the fraction 2/3, numerator 2, and denominator 3. Another tape contains six sections with two shaded, producing the fraction 2/6.
Related equal-parts review: Use the partition shapes into equal parts worksheets for grade 3 to review why every section of a fraction model must be the same size.
Shade Tape Diagrams to Match Written Fractions
The second worksheet reverses the task. Instead of reading a completed model, students receive a written fraction and an unshaded tape diagram. They shade the numerator number of sections and then rewrite the fraction beside the model.
The eight tasks progress from halves and thirds to fourths, sixths, and eighths. Students shade one of two sections for 1/2, two of three for 2/3, three of four for 3/4, and one of four for 1/4. The later models ask students to represent 4/6, 5/6, 3/8, and 7/8.
Because the denominator already matches the number of sections in each tape, students can focus on interpreting the numerator correctly. The contrast between 3/8 and 7/8 also shows how fractions with the same denominator can represent very different amounts.
Connect Numerators, Denominators, and Equal Parts
- Count every equal section: The total number of sections gives the denominator.
- Count only the shaded sections: The shaded number gives the numerator.
- Check the model: Make sure the number of shaded sections matches the written numerator.
- Read the complete fraction: Write the numerator above the denominator.
Continue with visual fractions: The equivalent fractions with area models worksheets for grade 3 extend this practice by comparing different models that represent the same amount.
Use the Two Worksheets as a Short Fraction Lesson
Begin with the completed models so students can practice counting and labeling each part of a fraction. Continue with the shading page after students can identify numerators and denominators independently.
The two worksheets can be used for a Grade 3 fraction lesson, math-center activity, homeschool practice, or independent review. Download the free printable PDF to practice reading and creating fractions with tape diagrams.