Decimal place value made simple for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Understanding decimal place value
Decimals are numbers that use a decimal point to separate whole numbers from fractions. Each digit in a decimal has a value depending on where it sits. This is called place value.
Why place value matters for decimals
To the right of the decimal point, each place is worth ten times less than the one before it. The first place is tenths, then hundredths, then thousandths, and so on. This pattern helps children read, compare, and calculate with decimals.
Step-by-step: tenths, hundredths, thousandths
The digit immediately after the decimal point is in the tenths place. The next is hundredths. The third is thousandths. Each step right divides the value by ten again.
Worked example with a decimal
Let's look at the number 3.472
The 4 is in the tenths place. Its value is 4/10 or 0.4
The 7 is in the hundredths place. Its value is 7/100 or 0.07
The 2 is in the thousandths place. Its value is 2/1000 or 0.002
Add these together: 0.4 + 0.07 + 0.002 = 0.472
Putting it all together
Understanding place value means your child can break decimals into parts, compare decimal numbers, and avoid common mistakes in calculations. This is essential for success in 11+ maths.
Key insight: Place value is the foundation for working confidently with decimals, which is a key skill for the 11+ exam.
