Learn decimals step by step
Learn decimals in 10 levels, from tenths to dividing decimals and word problems, with a 5-question test for each level.
🧒 Kids: tap Start level ▶ and get 4 of 5 right to pass. Can you reach level 10? 🏆
Which level for which grade?
There are 10 levels, from tenths to dividing decimals and word problems. Each level has short lessons and a 5-question test; get 4 right to pass. Progress is saved on this device, so your child can come back and carry on.
| Level | Skill | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tenths | 4 |
| 2 | Hundredths | 4 |
| 3 | Place value and words | 4–5 |
| 4 | Thousandths and number lines | 5 |
| 5 | Comparing and ordering | 4–5 |
| 6 | Rounding and estimating | 5 |
| 7 | Adding and subtracting | 5–6 |
| 8 | × and ÷ by 10, 100, 1,000 | 5 |
| 9 | Multiplying and dividing | 5–6 |
| 10 | Fractions and word problems | 5–6 |
How to use the levels
- Find the starting level. Take the tests from level 1 until your child scores under 4. That is the level to work on.
- Learn it. Open the Learn links for that level: each lesson has pictures, a parent script and practice.
- Practice for a few days. Use the tools on the lesson pages and the decimal practice tool.
- Retake the test. 4 out of 5 passes the level. Move on to the next one.
Level 3, place value, is the one to take slowly. Comparing, rounding, lining up points and moving points all depend on it.
Why the levels are in this order
Each level uses the one before it. Tenths and hundredths (levels 1 and 2) give decimals their meaning, and place value (level 3) explains what each digit is worth.
Thousandths and number lines (level 4) show decimals as numbers with a size, which makes comparing (level 5) and rounding (level 6) possible. Adding and subtracting (level 7) needs points lined up by place value.
Moving points (level 8) is the key to multiplying and dividing (level 9). The final level puts it all together in fractions and word problems. A child stuck at a high level usually has a gap lower down, very often level 3.
Tools that help with every level
The place value chart shows every digit in its place, with × 10 and ÷ 10 buttons to see digits move. The decimal calculator shows the working for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, so children can check their own answers.
Money is the best model for levels 1 to 7, because children already know dimes and cents. Strong times tables help from level 9 on, so keep the multiplication practice going alongside.
More decimal practice
For teachers
The levels work on a projector for a whole-class warm-up. Progress is saved only in each device’s browser, so no login or student data is needed. On shared computers, use Reset my progress at the end of the lesson.
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.
- Level 1: 7 of 10 parts shaded
- Level 2: 23 cents in dollars
- Level 3: the 4 in 2.45 is worth
- Level 4: 125 thousandths
- Level 5: 0.5 or 0.45?
- Level 6: round 3.76 to the nearest tenth
- Level 7: 6.4 − 0.38
- Level 8: 0.45 × 100
- Level 9: 1.2 × 0.3
- Level 10: 0.75 as a fraction
Show the answers
- 0.7
- $0.23
- 0.4
- 0.125
- 0.5
- 3.8
- 6.02
- 45
- 0.36
- 3/4
Common mistakes
How to teach it at home
Level chart
Print a chart of 10 boxes and colour one each time a level is passed.
Celebrate
A small reward at levels 5 and 10.
Use money
Coins and prices make any decimal level easier.
By grade
Check every topic at once
The free math check-up tests every topic of one grade in 10 to 20 minutes. It shows which topics are solid and where to start practicing. Levels you pass here also appear on your progress page.
More for each grade: Grade 4 math and the CBSE class 4 maths guide; Grade 5 math and the CBSE class 5 maths guide; Grade 6 math and the CBSE class 6 maths guide.
Worksheets and practice
Comparing decimals worksheet: printable PDF with an answer key. · Make a fresh test
Last reviewed
Questions parents ask
How do you learn decimals step by step?
Start with tenths and hundredths, then place value and reading decimals. Next come thousandths, comparing and rounding, then adding and subtracting, moving points, multiplying and dividing, and finally fractions and word problems.
What is the hardest part of learning decimals?
Usually comparing decimals of different lengths, placing the point after multiplying, and dividing by a decimal. Levels 5, 9 and 10 focus on these.
How long does it take to learn decimals?
Decimals are spread over grades 4 to 6. Most children move through about three levels a year with short daily practice.
Is progress saved?
Yes, passed levels are saved in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us.
Should my child know fractions before decimals?
Tenths and hundredths as fractions help a lot, because 0.3 is 3/10. The rest of decimals builds on place value and times tables.