Decimals and place value is a major new number concept for fourth graders. Students learn to read and write decimals to the tenths and hundredths places, convert fractions with denominators of 10 and 100 to decimals, compare decimal values using >, <, and =, and understand that trailing zeros do not change a decimal's value (0.5 = 0.50). These skills connect the whole-number place value system students know to the new world of decimal fractions.
The main challenge is that students apply whole-number thinking to decimals, concluding that 0.50 is greater than 0.5 because 50 is greater than 5, or that 2.06 is greater than 2.6 because 06 has two digits. Students must understand that decimal digits represent parts of a whole — tenths are larger parts than hundredths, so 0.6 is always more than 0.06. In Grade 3, students used fractions; by Grade 5, they will perform all four operations with decimals.
Our decimals and place value worksheets give fourth graders structured practice correcting decimal misconceptions, converting fractions to decimals, placing decimals on number lines, comparing decimal values, and solving real-world problems involving money and measurement.
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Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
Decimals and Place Value
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These decimals and place value worksheets help grade 4 students develop essential math skills through engaging activities.
Learning Objectives
- Tenths and Hundredths: Read and write decimals to the hundredths place
- Fraction-Decimal Connection: Convert fractions with denominators 10 and 100 to decimals
- Compare Decimals: Use place value to compare and order decimals
- Number Lines: Locate decimals on a number line
- Money Connections: Apply decimal understanding to dollars and cents
Skills Covered
How to Use These Worksheets
- Download & Print: Click the download button to get the PDF. Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
- Start Simple: Begin with easier pages before moving to more challenging activities.
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day for consistent learning.
- Use Manipulatives: Pair worksheets with physical objects like blocks or counters.
- Provide Encouragement: Celebrate progress and effort to build confidence.
- Check Progress: Use the included answer key to review work together.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Applying whole-number comparison rules to decimals — students conclude 0.25 is greater than 0.3 because 25 is greater than 3. Decimal comparison requires comparing place by place starting from the tenths, not the total digit count.
- Misidentifying tenths and hundredths — students read 0.7 as seven hundredths instead of seven tenths, or convert 45/100 as 0.045 instead of 0.45. The tenths place is immediately after the decimal point; the hundredths place is second.
- Treating trailing zeros as increasing value — students think 0.50 is larger than 0.5 because 50 is larger than 5. Trailing zeros after a decimal do not change the value; both represent five tenths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the tenths and hundredths places?
The tenths place is the first digit to the right of the decimal point. It represents parts out of 10 — so 0.7 means 7 out of 10, or 7/10. The hundredths place is the second digit to the right of the decimal point. It represents parts out of 100 — so 0.07 means 7 out of 100, or 7/100. Tenths are larger parts than hundredths: 0.1 is ten times larger than 0.01.
How do you convert a fraction with denominator 10 or 100 to a decimal?
For a denominator of 10, the numerator goes in the tenths place: 3/10 = 0.3, 9/10 = 0.9. For a denominator of 100, the numerator fills both the tenths and hundredths places: 45/100 = 0.45, 7/100 = 0.07, 30/100 = 0.30. If the numerator has one digit and the denominator is 100, place a zero in the tenths position so the single digit lands in the hundredths place.
How do you compare decimals?
Compare place by place starting from the leftmost digit. First compare the whole numbers. If those are equal, compare the tenths digits. If those are equal, compare the hundredths digits. For 0.35 vs. 0.4: the tenths digits are 3 and 4, so 0.4 is greater regardless of the hundredths. Never compare by counting total digits — 0.35 has more digits than 0.4 but is smaller.
Why does 0.4 equal 0.40?
0.4 represents 4 tenths. 0.40 represents 4 tenths and 0 hundredths — no additional hundredths are added. Because the hundredths digit is zero, the value is still just 4 tenths. Adding trailing zeros after a decimal does not create more or fewer parts. This is similar to how 5 = 05 in whole numbers — leading or trailing zeros that add no value do not change the number.
What is the expanded form of a decimal like 0.62?
Expanded form shows each place value separately. For 0.62: the 6 is in the tenths place, worth 6/10 or 0.6; the 2 is in the hundredths place, worth 2/100 or 0.02. The expanded form is 0.6 + 0.02. For 3.72: 3 + 0.7 + 0.02. Expanded form reinforces that each digit's value depends entirely on its position, not just its face value.
Are these worksheets really free?
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Can I use these in my classroom?
Absolutely! Teachers are welcome to print and use these worksheets in their classrooms. Make as many copies as needed for your students.