Decimal Place Value

Decimal place value: how to read and use it

Decimal place value tells you what each digit means in a number written with a decimal point. Digits to the left of the decimal point are ones, tens, hundreds, and so on. Digits to the right are tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.

Method

1. Find the decimal point and read the digits from left to right.
2. Name each position: ones, tenths, hundredths, thousandths.
3. Match each digit to its place value. For example, in 4.37:
   • 4 is in the ones place
   • 3 is in the tenths place
   • 7 is in the hundredths place
4. Write the value exactly if needed. The digit 3 in 4.37 means 3 tenths, or 0.3.

Useful check

Ask yourself: “If I move one place to the right, is the value 10 times smaller?” That is true for decimal place value. You can also compare digits carefully by place instead of by appearance.

For exact answers

When the exercise asks for an exact answer, keep the decimal as written unless you are asked to convert it. Do not round.

Quick practice habit

Always line up the decimal point mentally, identify the position of each digit, and then state the value of the digit or the whole number precisely.