Identifying Decimal Digits for 11+ Maths
19 October 2026
Understanding decimal digits
Decimals appear often in 11+ maths papers. Each digit in a decimal number has a place value. The first digit after the decimal point is the tenths, the next is the hundredths. For example, in 3.47, 4 is in the tenths place and 7 is in the hundredths place.
Key insight: Knowing the place value of each digit helps children answer questions quickly and accurately.
How to identify a digit's value
To find the value of a decimal digit, look at its position. In 6.253, the 2 is in the tenths place (0.2), the 5 is in the hundredths place (0.05), and the 3 is in the thousandths place (0.003). Practise saying the value out loud to build confidence.
Rounding decimal numbers
Rounding is a common question in the 11+. To round a decimal, look at the digit one place to the right of where you are rounding. If it is 5 or more, round up. If it is 4 or less, round down. For example, to round 4.67 to one decimal place, look at the 7: round up to 4.7.
Step-by-step examples
Example 1: What is the value of the 8 in 2.86? It is eight tenths, or 0.8.
Example 2: Which digit is in the hundredths place in 5.347? The 4.
Example 3: Round 9.34 to the nearest whole number. Look at the tenths place (3): round down to 9.
Example 4: Round 12.68 to one decimal place. Look at the hundredths (8): round up to 12.7.
Example 5: Which digit is in the thousandths place in 0.271? The 1.
Supporting practice at home
Short, regular practice sessions work best. Use real-life examples, like prices or measurements, to make decimals feel familiar. Encourage your child to explain their reasoning out loud to build understanding.
Key insight: Confidence with decimal digits comes from recognising patterns and practising with a calm, step-by-step approach.
