Rounding to powers of ten for 11+ maths
21 October 2026
Why rounding to powers of ten matters
Rounding to powers of ten is a key skill for the 11+ maths exam. It helps children estimate, check answers, and work confidently with larger numbers. Understanding this topic can make calculations simpler and reduce mistakes.
Step-by-step: how to round to a power of ten
First, decide which power of ten you need to round to. This could be the nearest ten, hundred or thousand. Find the digit in that place value. Look at the digit immediately to its right, this will help you decide whether to round up or down.
Worked example
Round 374 to the nearest ten.
Step 1: Identify the tens digit (7) and look at the digit to its right (4).
Step 2: Since 4 is less than 5, round down.
Step 3: Replace the units digit with 0. The answer is 370.
Tips for home practice
Encourage your child to practise with a range of numbers and different powers of ten. Ask them to explain their reasoning for each step. This builds confidence and helps spot common errors.
Key insight: Regular practice with rounding to powers of ten builds strong number sense and prepares children for the types of estimation and calculation questions they will face in the 11+ exam.
