Bar Model — 3 + 3 = 6 — free printable diagram

What is 3 + 3?

This part-whole bar model shows 3 and 3 as the two parts of one whole. Adding the parts gives the whole, so 3 + 3 = 6.

First part

3

Second part

3

Whole

6

Addition

3 + 3 = 6

Subtraction

6 − 3 = 3

• A part-whole bar model shows the whole on one bar and the parts that make it on the bar underneath. Here the two parts are 3 and 3, and together they fill the whole bar of 6.
• Both parts are the same size, so this is a doubling fact: double 3 is 6.
• Reading it backwards gives the matching halving fact: 6 split into two equal parts is 3 each, so 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
• That is the fact family for these three numbers — the model is the reason 3, 3 and 6 belong together, whichever way round you write them.