11+ Maths: Understanding Decimal Place Value
21 October 2026
What is decimal place value
Decimal place value means understanding what each digit in a number represents, especially after the decimal point. This is a key skill for the 11+ maths exam.
How decimal places work
The decimal point separates whole numbers from fractional parts. The first digit to the right of the decimal is the tenths place, then hundredths, then thousandths. Each place to the right is ten times smaller than the one before.
Why place value matters
Knowing the value of each digit helps your child compare, order, and calculate with decimals. It also helps avoid common mistakes, such as thinking 0.4 is bigger than 0.07 just because 4 is greater than 7.
Worked example
Let's look at the number 3.472
3 is in the units place, so it is worth 3
4 is in the tenths place, so it is worth 0.4
7 is in the hundredths place, so it is worth 0.07
2 is in the thousandths place, so it is worth 0.002
Add these together: 3 + 0.4 + 0.07 + 0.002 = 3.472
The answer is 3.472.
Practical tip
Encourage your child to say the value of each digit out loud when working with decimals. This helps to make sense of the number and spot mistakes early.
Key insight: Understanding decimal place value helps children break down numbers, compare values accurately, and solve a wide range of 11+ maths problems with confidence.
