21 Fun Facts About The Number 3 That Will Surprise You - Amazing Facts Home (2025)

1. If you divide the number of fingers on your hand by the number of corners on a triangle, you’ll get 3.

If you’re counting on your fingers and triangles to keep you entertained, divide your digits by the corners of this polygon, and you’ll be left with a number that’s as solid as a rock: 3.

2. Number 3 is the third prime number after numbers 2 and 5.

Three is an incredibly important number. It is the third prime number on the list, right after 2 and 5. The two numbers that come before are essential to understanding how counting works.

Three is the fundamental building block for all mathematics, serving as a foundation for higher mathematical equations and concepts.

3. There are 3 wise monkeys that hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.

The Three Wise Monkeys are the guardians of positivity and good vibes, with their collective ears, eyes, and lips sealed tight against negativity.

They hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil—a trio of truth, trust, and tact that’s hard to beat.

4. The number 3 has a magnetic personality, as it’s the number of primary colors in the color wheel.

The number 3 is simply magnetic, with a personality that’s as vibrant and diverse as the colors in a rainbow.

It’s the number of primary hues in the color wheel, and combining these three basic colors can create an endless array of mesmerizing shades and tints.

5. How is the number 3 used in religion and mythology?

The number 3 is considered sacred in many cultures and is often used in religious and mythological contexts.

For example, in Christianity, the Holy Trinity consists of three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

6. Shakespeare’s famous play “The Three Musketeers” features three friends who are “all for one, and one for all.”

“The Three Musketeers” by Shakespeare features three friends: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. They have a strong bond, and the famous phrase “all for one, and one for all” reflects their unwavering loyalty to each other.

The play highlights their bravery and friendship.

7. The Holy Trinity consists of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in religion.

Religion has long been shaped by the concept of the Holy Trinity. It consists of three distinct persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

And yet, they are all united as one entity; their divinity is interconnected and, sometimes, interchangeable.

8. The Olympic Games have three categories of medals: gold, silver, and bronze.

The much-acclaimed Olympic Games have garnered international attention for many years now. Since its establishment, the games have offered athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents on a global platform.

They are awarded three types of medals to recognize their achievements: gold, silver, and bronze.

9. In geometry, a triangle has three sides, and three angles, and is the simplest polygon.

Geometry is a fascinating subject, and one of the easiest shapes to understand within it is the triangle. Triangles have three sides, creating three angles that compose the shape.

Triangles, the simplest polygon, provide much information about geometry and can help us understand more complex figures.

10. In astrology, there are three fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius).

In astrology, three celestial zodiac alignments stand out from the others: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These placements, commonly known as “fire signs,” symbolize warmth, boldness, and creativity.

Those born under the energy of one of these signs can be said to be remarkably passionate individuals with a driving ambition.

11. What is the significance of the number 3 in sports?

The number 3 is significant in sports as it is the number of strikes in a strikeout in baseball and the number of points scored in a field goal in American football.

It is also the number of times a runner must circle the bases in a home run.

12. The number 3 appears in many popular sayings, such as “third time’s the charm” and “three strikes, you’re out.”

The number 3 pops up in a lot of common expressions. There’s “third time’s the charm,” for example—confirmation that good things do come with persistence.

You might hear other familiar sayings too, like “three strikes, and you’re out.”

This reminds me that sometimes it takes one unlucky streak to call it quits. It makes sense how “three” slipped its way into popular culture as an idea of quick progress or sudden loss-making setbacks before the third unpleasant attempt at success or counting on fortune on the third run.

13. In tarot, the number 3 is associated with creativity and self-expression.

Tarot card readings often focus on the individual’s journey. Each card has its own iconic representation, laden with special meaning.

The number three in the tarot signifies creativity and self-expression above all, but it also speaks of teamwork and collaboration as elements to drive projects forward.

This number encourages us to access our creative spirit and move closer to uncovering and accepting ourselves. With the guidance of the tarot, unlocking this energy according to what works best for the individual can be a powerful tool.

14. The number 3 is the only number with the same number of letters as its value.

The number 3 isn’t just any ordinary number; it holds a special place in mathematical history. It is the only digit whose letter count matches its value.

It’s quite remarkable that three written out require the same number of letters as their numerical value. Think about it: no other number can boast the same feature. In a way, you could say that 3 is one of a kind.

15. The number 3 is considered lucky in many cultures and is often associated with good fortune.

The number three has a fascinating place in many cultures around the world. It is often associated with positive emotions, such as luck and fortune.

Many people believe that this number has the power to bring good things into their lives. Among ancient societies, 3 was recognized for its symbolic properties, representing creativity and fertility.

In Christianity, it represents the Holy Trinity and is therefore seen by many believers as being particularly blessed. Even today, it is a symbol of prosperity, success, and hope.

16. In Chinese culture, the number 3 is considered lucky because it sounds similar to the word for “birth.”

In Chinese culture, many superstitions assign meaning to certain numbers, with the number three being especially lucky.

This fortunate number is seen as auspicious and is said to bring abundance.

An interesting explanation behind why this particular number carries supportive energy is that it sounds quite similar to the Mandarin word for “birth.” As “san” means “three” and “sheng” means “life” or “birth,” having them sound almost identical results in a variety of contexts where this translates into after-life themes such as rebirth and resurrection.

17. In Greek mythology, the three Fates controlled the threads of human destiny.

In Greek mythology, the three Fates determined the destiny of man from their lofty position in the heavens. They held power over the threads of human lives, spinning, weaving, and cutting them as needed.

While mortals could fatefully supply their own destinations, their lives were ultimately subject to the whims of fate, and nothing natural or divine would make them stray.

Each of the three Fates presided over a specific strand: one destiny spanned ambitions far and wide, while another took charge of personal conduct. The third was destined to nick the lightest fabrics with a pair of magical shears that shut life’s gates.

18. What is special about the number 3?

There are several things that make the number 3 special:

In mathematics, it is considered to be the second prime number.

It is the first odd prime number.

It is the only number that equals the sum of the numbers immediately below it (1 + 2).

It is widely used in religion and mythology and is considered sacred in many cultures.

It is the number of spatial dimensions in our physical world (length, width, and height).

19. In many fairy tales, the protagonist gets three wishes.

In the world of fairy tales, three is the magic number. The protagonist is often granted three wishes, like a genie in a bottle, ready to make their dreams come true.

Three wishes are tempting, just enough to fulfill one’s desires, but not so many that one becomes greedy. It balances wonder and wisdom, perfect for a happy ending.

20. The number 3 is a magic number in physics, as it is the minimum number of points needed to define a plane.

The number 3 has a particularly special role in physics. It is often referred to as a “magic number” to signify its substantial importance.

This is because it is the minimum number of points needed to define a plane—an angle seen within the field’s mathematical principles.

In fact, these three points form what is known as a “right triangle,” and further related calculations hinge on that key piece of information.

21. Lighting three cigarettes with one match, which is unlucky, originated during World War I.

The superstition that it’s unlucky to light three cigarettes with a single match traces its origins back to World War I.

This belief arose from trench warfare, where snipers were a constant threat. The first lit cigarette would catch a sniper’s attention, the second allowed the sniper to aim, and the sniper was ready to fire by the third.

This led to the belief that the third person to light their cigarette from the same match would be targeted, thus associating bad luck with the act.

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