🔢 Class 6 · Number system

Decimals for Class 6: notes, worked examples and practice

Decimals are fractions with denominators 10, 100, 1000 and so on. Money, measurements and percentages all use them, so it is worth getting the place value and the point right.

Updated 21 October 2026. Every worked example and answer on this page is checked by automated tests.

Try the practice questions WhatsApp a maths teacher

Notes

Decimals: what you need to know

Chapter names and order differ by board and textbook edition, so follow your own textbook for the order.

Place value after the point

The digits after the decimal point are tenths, hundredths and thousandths. In 0.45 the 4 is 4 tenths and the 5 is 5 hundredths, so 0.45 = 45/100.

Comparing decimals

Compare the whole-number parts first, then compare digit by digit from the left. 0.5 is greater than 0.45 because 5 tenths is more than 4 tenths, even though 45 is more than 5.

Adding and subtracting

Line up the decimal points, write zeros to fill any empty places, then add or subtract as with whole numbers and bring the point straight down.

Multiplying decimals

Ignore the points and multiply as whole numbers. Then put the point so that the answer has as many decimal places as the two numbers together.

Fractions and decimals

To change a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator: 3/4 = 0.75. To change a decimal to a fraction, write it over 10, 100 or 1000 and simplify: 0.6 = 6/10 = 3/5.

Formulas and rules to remember

0.1 = 1/10 and 0.01 = 1/100
Decimal places in a product = places in the first number + places in the second
To multiply by 10, 100 or 1000, move the point 1, 2 or 3 places to the right

Solved examples

Example 1

Add 12.75 and 3.6.

Line up the points: 12.75 + 3.60.
Add: 16.35.

Answer: 16.35

Example 2

Subtract 3.45 from 8.2.

Write 8.20 − 3.45.
Subtract: 4.75.

Answer: 4.75

Example 3

Multiply 0.6 by 0.07.

6 × 7 = 42.
0.6 has 1 decimal place and 0.07 has 2, so the answer has 3.
42 with 3 decimal places is 0.042.

Answer: 0.042

Example 4

Write 0.35 as a fraction in its simplest form.

0.35 = 35/100.
Divide top and bottom by 5.

Answer: 7/20

Avoid these

Common mistakes

Not lining up the points

Adding 12.75 and 3.6 as if the 6 were in the hundredths place gives the wrong answer. Always line up the points and fill gaps with zeros.

Miscounting decimal places when multiplying

Count the places in both numbers and add them. 0.6 × 0.07 has 1 + 2 = 3 places.

Thinking longer means bigger

0.45 is not greater than 0.5. Compare tenths first: 4 tenths is less than 5 tenths.

10 practice questions with answers

Try each question on paper first, then tap it to check your answer. The questions are generated by code and each answer is checked.

28.06 + 33.76 =
Answer: 61.82
14.48 + 65.17 =
Answer: 79.65
57.36 + 25.63 =
Answer: 82.99
75.39 + 11.31 =
Answer: 86.7
4.3 × 6 =
Answer: 25.8
1.6 × 3 =
Answer: 4.8
8.8 × 7 =
Answer: 61.6
2.9 × 9 =
Answer: 26.1
95 × 100 =
Answer: 9500
11 × 100 =
Answer: 1100

More practice

Printable worksheets (PDF with answers)

Adding and subtracting decimals (Grade 4)
Multiplying decimals (Grade 5)

Games and lessons

Maths dictionary

Mental maths practice

Quick-fire sums for kids and adults: add, subtract, multiply, divide, squares and percentages at four levels, with a 60-second sprint.

Use the tool →

FAQ

Decimals Class 6: questions students ask

How do I add decimals?

Line up the decimal points, add zeros to fill empty places, add the columns and bring the point straight down into the answer.

How do I multiply two decimals?

Multiply as whole numbers, then give the answer as many decimal places as the two numbers have between them.

How do I compare decimals?

Compare whole parts first, then tenths, then hundredths, moving left to right. The first place where they differ decides.

How do I turn a fraction into a decimal?

Divide the numerator by the denominator, for example 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75.

Which board is this decimals page for?

It covers the ideas taught in CBSE, ICSE and state-board maths. Chapter names and order differ by board and textbook edition, so follow your own textbook for the exact order.

Need help with decimals?

Tell us the class, board and what feels hard. We match a maths teacher from our network and confirm the format before anything is booked.

Tell us the learner’s age or grade and goals
We’ll suggest a suitable class or learning path
We’ll confirm format, timing and fees with a parent or guardian

Play it, don't just read it

Try it now: Adding and subtracting decimals

Eight quick questions with instant feedback. Your score is saved on this device and counts in the games and learning paths too.

All free games →

Adding and subtracting decimals (Grade 4): Adding and subtracting decimals with tenths and hundredths. Open the practice page or print a worksheet.

Or play a game

Today's maths challengeFive questions · the same for everyone today · keep your streak goingPlay