β‑catenin accumulates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); therefore, understanding the mechanism of Wnt/β‑catenin pathway activation is important for HCC therapy. SAC3 domain containing 1 (SAC3D1) is involved in numerous types of cancer, such as gastric cancer. To the best of our knowledge, however, the role of SAC3D1 in HCC has not yet been elucidated. Here, the expression of SAC3D in HCC was examined by quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The function of SAC3D1 in HCC were examined using Cell Counting Kit‑8 and anchorage‑independent growth assay. It was found that the levels of SAC3D1 mRNA and protein were upregulated in HCC. When SAC3D1 was overexpressed, the proliferation of HCC cells was promoted; when the expression of SAC3D1 was disrupted, HCC cell growth was inhibited. When the molecular mechanism was investigated using immunoprecipitation, it was found that SAC3D1 interacted with axin, inhibiting ubiquitination of β‑catenin and elevating protein levels of β‑catenin. In summary, the present study revealed the promoting function of SAC3D1 in the progression of HCC. SAC3D1 may be a promising target for HCC therapy.