11+ Maths: Rounding Decimals
21 October 2026
Why rounding decimals matters
Rounding decimals is a key skill in the 11+ maths exam. Children are often asked to round numbers to a set number of decimal places. Mistakes here are common, but easy to avoid with a clear method.
The rounding rule
Find the decimal place you are asked to round to. Look at the digit immediately to its right. If this digit is 5 or more, round up. If it is less than 5, round down. Only round once.
Worked example
Round 3.276 to two decimal places.
Step 1: Identify the target place. Here, two decimal places means the hundredths column (the second digit after the decimal point), which is 7 in this example.
Step 2: Look at the digit immediately to the right of the hundredths column. This is the thousandths column, which is 6.
Step 3: Since 6 is more than 5, round the 7 up by 1. 7 + 1 = 8.
Step 4: Write the answer with exactly two decimal places. Everything after the hundredths column is removed.
The correct answer is 3.28.
Common pitfalls
Do not round in stages. Only use the digit immediately to the right of the place you are rounding to. Make sure your answer shows the exact number of decimal places required, even if this means adding a zero at the end.
Key insight: Rounding decimals quickly and accurately helps children avoid losing easy marks in the 11+ maths exam. It is a simple skill, but essential for questions involving estimation, measurement and data interpretation.
