Ordering Decimals 11 Plus: Practical Steps for Parents
26 October 2026
Ordering decimals explained
Ordering decimals means arranging decimal numbers from smallest to largest, or vice versa. This is a core skill in 11+ maths exams, where children are often asked to compare and order decimals alongside whole numbers and fractions.
Why this matters for 11+
Exam questions on ordering decimals test your child's understanding of place value and their ability to spot small differences between numbers. Being confident with decimals helps children avoid common mistakes and boosts their overall maths scores.
How parents can help
Encourage your child to line up decimal points when comparing numbers and to look carefully at each digit. Practise with a mix of decimals that have different numbers of digits, and talk through the process step by step. Using real-life examples, like money or measurements, can make practice more engaging.
Key insight: Focus on place value
Remind your child that the number with the largest digit in the first different place value is always bigger, even if another number looks 'longer' because it has more digits after the decimal point.
Worked example
Order these decimals from smallest to largest: 0.45, 0.5, 0.375, 0.4
Step 1: Line up the decimal points and compare the tenths place: 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.375. All start with 0 in the units place. In the tenths, 0.3 (from 0.375) is smallest, then 0.4, then 0.4 (from 0.45), then 0.5.
Step 2: Look at the next digit (hundredths) for numbers with the same tenths. 0.375 has 3 tenths, so it is the smallest. Next, compare 0.4 (which is 0.40) and 0.45. 0.40 is smaller than 0.45. 0.5 (which is 0.50) is the largest.
Step 3: Write the order: 0.375, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5
The correct order from smallest to largest is 0.375, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5.
Tips for regular practice
Mix up the order and length of decimals when practising. Ask your child to explain their reasoning out loud. Correcting small errors early helps build confidence for exam day.
