Step 1: Understanding the problem.
We are given that one third of some number is equal to 21. Let the unknown number be \( x \).
\[
\frac{1}{3} \times x = 21
\]
Step 2: Solving for the number.
To find \( x \), we multiply both sides of the equation by 3:
\[
x = 21 \times 3 = 63
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
The number is 63.