Decimals Worksheets

A gradual set for growing maths skills

This set begins with familiar ideas such as tenths, hundredths and decimal place value. Younger learners can read, write and match simple decimals using pictures, grids and number lines. Older children can compare and order decimals, round numbers, add and subtract decimal amounts, and solve short word problems. The activities give you a useful way to choose work that matches your child's current stage. Children who are ready for more can move from visual models to written calculations.

Simple ways to use the worksheets

At home, start with one short worksheet after a maths lesson, then ask your child to explain one answer aloud. Use a ruler to make a decimal number line on the table and place a few answers in order. In class, pair children to check each other's place value columns before they calculate. You can also use a money activity for a small group, asking children to add prices or find the difference between two amounts. Keep a few unfinished questions for a later revision session.

Helping with common decimal mistakes

Children often think a longer decimal is always greater, so they may say 0.45 is larger than 0.7. Write zeroes after the tenths digit to show that 0.7 is the same as 0.70, then compare 70 hundredths with 45 hundredths. Another common error is placing digits in the wrong column when adding. Encourage your child to line up the decimal points first and check whether the answer is sensible. A place value chart can make this routine easier to remember.