Identifying Decimal Digits for 11+ Maths
21 October 2026
Understanding decimal digits
Identifying decimal digits is an essential skill for 11+ maths. It helps children read, write and compare decimal numbers with confidence.
How to spot decimal places
Each digit after the decimal point has its own place. The first digit is the tenths, the next is the hundredths, and the third is the thousandths. Knowing these positions is the key to reading decimals accurately.
Worked example
Let's look at the number 3.472
Step 1: The digit immediately after the decimal point is 4. This is in the tenths place.
Step 2: The next digit, 7, is in the hundredths place.
Step 3: The third digit after the decimal, 2, is in the thousandths place.
The correct answer is: 4 is tenths, 7 is hundredths, 2 is thousandths.
Why this matters for 11+
Children will be asked to identify, compare and order decimal digits in the 11+ exam. Practising these steps builds confidence and accuracy.
Key insight: Understanding decimal places helps children spot patterns, avoid common mistakes, and lays the groundwork for more advanced topics in maths.
