Last updated on July 23rd, 2025
The place values of a decimal number are seen in the place value chart. Just like whole numbers have place values such as ones, tens, hundreds, and so on, decimal numbers also have their place value. Decimal place value is used to make precise calculations in measurements. Here, in this article, we will learn more about decimal place value.
Decimal numbers have a whole number part and a fractional part. In decimal numbers, a decimal point is used to separate these parts. For example, 5.35 is a decimal number. The place value of a decimal number can be displayed using a place value chart. The place value of digits in the whole number is represented as ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on. On the other hand, the place values of the fractional part are represented as tenths, hundredths, then thousandths, and so on.
A decimal number is a type of number that has both fractional and whole number parts. For example, 6.75 is a decimal number. Here, 6 is the whole number, and the fractional part is 0.75. To find the decimal place value of a digit in a decimal number, we use a decimal place value chart. This chart helps us visually represent the place values of each digit in a number, including the digits before and after the decimal point. Here’s a chart depicting the whole number part, the decimal point, and the fractional part of a decimal number.
If a decimal number consists of only a whole number or just a fractional part, add zero to the part that is missing.
For example:
.85 → 0.85
32 → 32.0
Representing the place value of a number on a chart enables us to identify the positions of each digit in the number.
The fractional part of a decimal number consists of the digits that come after the decimal point.
For example, in the number 0.83, the digit 8 indicates eight-tenths, and the digit 3 indicates three-hundredths.
This can be expressed as:
0.83 = 0.8 + 0.03
Or, in fraction form:
0.83 = 8/10 + 3/100.
Decimals express values with accuracy in the number system. Understanding decimal place values helps us compare values more precisely. Given below are a few real-life applications of decimal place value:
We often see children finding it difficult to learn the decimal place value, which can lead to mistakes. Given below are some of the mistakes that can be made. To overcome the mistakes, solutions are also provided. Let’s discuss them in detail:
Write 0.475 in expanded form.
0.475 = 0.4 + 0.07 + 0.005
The place value of each digit in 0.475 is:
4 is in the tenth place, so we write 4/10 or 0.4
7 is in the hundredths place, so we write 7/100 or 0.07
5 is in the thousandths place, so we write 5/1000 or 0.005
Now, we need to express the number as a sum of its place values:
0.475 = 4/10 + 7/100 + 5/1000
0.4 + 0.07 + 0.005
Determine which is greater: 0. 83 or 0.803.
0.83 is greater than 0.803.
The first step is to compare the digits place by place from left to right:
Tenth place→ Since both numbers consist of 8, we move to the next place.
Hundredths place → In the number 0.83:
3 is in the hundredths place.
0 is in the hundredths place. (since 3 >0, 0.83 is greater).
To finalize the place value, express 0.83 as 0.830
Now, compare the given values → We know 0.830 >0.803, 0.83 is greater.
Solve 2.56 + 0.8
2.56 + 0.8 = 3.36
First, we have to align the decimal points:
2.56
+ 0.80
--------
Now, we begin the addition column by column.
Hundredths place: 6 + 0 = 6
Tenths place: 5 + 8 = 13 (write 3, carry 1)
Ones place: 2 + 0 + 1 (carry) = 3
So, we get: 2.56 + 0.8 = 3.36.
Identify the place value of 7 in the number 5.734.
The place value of 7 in 5.734 is tenths or 0.7.
The place values are identified from left to right:
5 is in one place.
7 is in tenth place.
3 is in the hundredths place.
4 is in the thousandths place.
Since the digit 7 is in the tenths place, its place value is 7/10 or 0.7.
Round 6.352 to the nearest hundredth.
6.35
Here, we identify the hundredths place →5 in 6.352.
Check the digit to the right (thousandths place) → 2.
Since 2 < 5, we round down the value, so the thousandths place remains unchanged.
So, it is rounded to 6.35.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.