6th grade decimals
6th grade decimals (class 6): a quiz for kids, then every skill in order with lessons, a checklist and a 4-week plan for parents.
🧒 Kids: answer 10 grade 6 decimal questions. Tap Check ✓ after each one!
What 6th grader learn about decimals
In grade 6 (class 6), children add, subtract, multiply and divide multi-digit decimals fluently with standard methods. They divide by decimals, round answers, solve word problems and use decimals in rates, percentages and measurement.
- 6.NS.B.3: fluently add, subtract, multiply and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm.
- 6.RP.A.3: use decimals in unit rates, percentages and measurement conversions.
- 6.NS.B.2: divide multi-digit numbers fluently, including long division that leads to decimal answers.
- 6.EE.A.2: evaluate expressions with decimal values.
The big idea in grade 6
Grade 6 is about fluency. Children add, subtract, multiply and divide multi-digit decimals with the standard methods (6.NS.B.3), quickly and accurately. The aim is to make decimal calculation automatic, so attention can go to harder problems.
Dividing by a decimal is the new step: move the point in both numbers until the divisor is a whole number. Estimating stays important, because it catches a point in the wrong place.
Decimals then power the rest of the year. Unit rates such as $2.40 per kilogram, percentages such as 0.35 = 35%, and measurement conversions all depend on confident decimal work.
Expect some children to need a refresher on grade 5 place value first. Ten minutes on lining up points and moving points pays off for the whole year. The decimal levels show quickly where any gaps are.
6th grade decimal skills, in order
Work down the list. Each lesson explains the idea for parents with pictures and has a tool or quiz for your child.
| # | Skill (lesson) | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adding decimals | Practice |
| 2 | Subtracting decimals | Practice |
| 3 | Multiplying decimals | Practice |
| 4 | Dividing by whole numbers | Practice |
| 5 | Dividing decimals | Practice |
| 6 | Rounding decimals | Practice |
| 7 | Estimating with decimals | Quiz on the page |
| 8 | Decimals to fractions | Practice |
| 9 | Decimal word problems | Quiz on the page |
By the end of grade 6, your child should be able to…
- Work out 12.6 − 4.75 and 3.4 + 0.86 + 12 without a calculator.
- Multiply 2.35 × 1.4 and place the point correctly.
- Divide 7.5 ÷ 0.25 by moving both points.
- Divide 10 ÷ 4 and give the answer as a decimal.
- Write 0.375 as a fraction in simplest form.
- Solve a two-step money or measurement problem with decimals.
Unsure where your child is? The decimal levels page has a short test for every step from tenths to dividing decimals.
A 4-week plan for 6th grade decimals
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Fluent adding and subtracting multi-digit decimals |
| Week 2 | Multiplying decimals; estimating to check |
| Week 3 | Dividing by whole numbers and by decimals; long division with decimal answers |
| Week 4 | Word problems, unit rates, fractions and percentages |
Add 5 minutes a day with the decimal practice tool. Check answers with the decimal calculator, and use the place value chart whenever a picture helps.
More for grade 6
All 6th grade math · CBSE class 6 maths parent guide · 6th grade fractions · Decimals quiz for every grade · Decimals for kids
What to say to your child
A short script for teaching it the first time. Pause after each line and let your child do the next step.
- “What is 2.35 × 1.4? First multiply 235 × 14.” (3,290.)
- “How many decimal places altogether?” (3.) “So 3.290 = 3.29.”
- “Estimate: 2 × 1.5 = 3. Close!”
- “Now 7.5 ÷ 0.25. Make 0.25 whole: move both points 2 places.” (750 ÷ 25 = 30.)
- “Check: 30 × 0.25.” (7.5.)
More worked examples
Example 1: multiplying: 3.6 × 0.25
36 × 25 = 900, three decimal places, so 0.900 = 0.9.
Example 2: dividing: 4.2 ÷ 0.6
Move both points one place: 42 ÷ 6 = 7.
Example 3: long division: 7 ÷ 8
Add zeros: 7.000 ÷ 8 = 0.875.
Practice questions (answers below)
Ask these out loud or write them down. Check each answer, and ask “how did you get that?” for one or two.
- 15.4 + 3.75
- 20 − 7.36
- 1.2 × 0.4
- 2.35 × 1.4
- 9.6 ÷ 3
- 4.2 ÷ 0.6
- 7 ÷ 8 as a decimal
- Round 6.4851 to the nearest hundredth
- 3 kg at $2.45 per kg
- Stretch: 0.36 ÷ 0.012
Show the answers
- 19.15
- 12.64
- 0.48
- 3.29
- 3.2
- 7
- 0.875
- 6.49
- $7.35
- 30
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Five minutes a day
Short daily practice beats long weekend sessions.
Use money
Prices, change and pocket money make tenths and hundredths real.
Measure things
Heights in metres, weights in kilograms and race times are all decimals.
By grade
- Before: 5th grade decimals
- After: grade 7 math (rational numbers and percentages)
Not sure where to start?
The free 6th grade math check-up tests every grade 6 topic in 18–22 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and which lesson to start with.
Worksheets and practice
Multiplying decimals worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key.
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
What decimals should a 6th grader know?
Fluent adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing of multi-digit decimals with standard methods. They also divide by decimals, round answers and use decimals in rates, percentages and word problems.
Why does grade 6 focus on decimal fluency?
Ratios, rates, percentages and equations all use decimals. When decimal calculation is automatic, children can focus on the harder ideas.
Is there a 6th grade decimals quiz?
Yes. The quiz at the top of this page has 10 mixed grade 6 decimal questions. Each one is marked straight away, with a hint for every mistake. Play again for a fresh set, or try the decimals quiz for every grade.
What is class 6 decimals?
Class 6 in India and grade 6 in the US cover very similar decimal skills. This page lists them in order, starting with adding decimals, subtracting decimals, multiplying decimals.
How much decimal practice does a 6th grader need?
About 10 minutes a day: 5 minutes on the current skill with the practice tool and 5 minutes of mixed review. Short daily practice works better than long weekly sessions.