A speed changing gear device for an automatic transmission, comprising a main gear assembly for providing a plurality of operating positions, and an auxiliary gear assembly for providing a direct drive position and a speed changing drive position. The main gear assembly includes a single-pinion type first planetary gear unit having a first sun gear, a first planetary gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier, and a single-pinion type second planetary gear unit having a second sun gear, a second planetary gear, a second ring gear and a second carrier. The auxiliary gear assembly includes a third planetary gear unit having a third sun gear, at least one third planetary gear, a third ring gear and a third carrier. The first carrier and second ring gear are fixed to each other, or selectively connected to each other by a first clutch. The first and second sun gears, and the first sun gear and second carrier are selectively connected to each other by a second and a third clutch, respectively. The first sun gear, second sun gear and second carrier are selectively inhibited from rotating by a first brake, and the second carrier is inhibited from rotating by a second brake.