Long division is one of the most important computational skills fourth graders learn. Students master the four-step divide-multiply-subtract-bring down cycle to divide two- and three-digit numbers by one-digit divisors, first without remainders and then with. They extend this to four-digit dividends, learn to estimate using compatible numbers, and apply long division to multi-step word problems involving real-world contexts like packing boxes and arranging seats.
The main challenge is that long division requires students to coordinate estimation, multiplication, subtraction, and place value simultaneously — far more steps than any previous operation. Students often make small multiplication errors in the middle of the process, producing wrong remainders or missing digits. They also struggle with remainders, either ignoring them or treating them as the final answer. In Grade 3, students practiced basic division facts; by Grade 5, they will divide multi-digit numbers by two-digit divisors.
Our long division worksheets give fourth graders structured practice correcting division errors, computing quotients with and without remainders, matching dividends to quotients, solving estimation problems, and applying long division in multi-step real-world contexts.
Worksheet Preview
Browse all 12 printable worksheets below — click any card to open the full page.
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
Long Division
What's Included in This Download
What You'll Learn
These long division worksheets help grade 4 students develop essential math skills through engaging activities.
Learning Objectives
- Divide by 1-Digit: Divide up to 4-digit dividends by single-digit divisors
- Remainders: Interpret remainders in division problems
- Estimate Quotients: Use compatible numbers to estimate
- Division Steps: Apply divide, multiply, subtract, bring down
- Word Problems: Solve real-world division scenarios
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
- Off-by-one quotient errors — students estimate the wrong multiple during the division step, writing a quotient that is one too high or too low. Checking by multiplying the quotient by the divisor immediately catches these errors before they compound.
- Remainder larger than the divisor — students stop too early, leaving a remainder that is still divisible by the divisor. A remainder must always be less than the divisor; if it is not, the quotient needs to increase by 1.
- Dropping the wrong digit — when bringing down digits in multi-digit problems, students skip a digit or bring it to the wrong position, misaligning the entire calculation. Writing carefully in columns prevents this error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four steps of long division?
The four steps are Divide, Multiply, Subtract, and Bring down — often remembered with the mnemonic Does McDonald's Sell Burgers. First, divide the leading digits of the dividend by the divisor to estimate the first quotient digit. Second, multiply that digit by the divisor. Third, subtract the product from the dividend digits above it. Fourth, bring down the next digit and repeat the cycle until no digits remain.
Why must a remainder always be less than the divisor?
If the remainder equals or exceeds the divisor, you can still divide further — meaning you have not gone far enough. For example, if you get a remainder of 8 when dividing by 6, you can still divide 8 by 6 one more time (getting 1 with a remainder of 2). A remainder represents the amount left over that truly cannot be divided further, so it must be smaller than the divisor.
How do you check a long division answer?
Multiply the quotient by the divisor, then add the remainder. The result should equal the original dividend. For 84 ÷ 4 = 21: check by computing 21 × 4 = 84. For a remainder problem, 57 ÷ 4 = 14 R1: check with 14 × 4 = 56, plus 1 = 57. If the check gives the original dividend, the answer is correct. This multiplication check is the fastest and most reliable way to verify long division.
How do you use estimation to help with long division?
Replace the dividend with a nearby compatible number — one that divides evenly by the divisor — to estimate the quotient. For 318 ÷ 4: the compatible number is 320 (which is 4 × 80), giving an estimate of about 80. This estimate tells you the first digit of the quotient should be in the eighties, so you can check your work. Compatible number estimation also prevents large errors like getting a quotient of 8 when the answer should be 80.
What does the remainder mean in a word problem?
It depends on the context. If you are sharing 53 stickers equally among 8 students, each gets 6 stickers and 5 are left over — the remainder is 5 leftover stickers. If you need 47 people to fill vans of 8, you need 5 full vans plus 1 extra van for the remaining 7 people — so you round up to 6 vans. Always re-read the question to decide whether to include the remainder, drop it, or add one more to your answer.
Are these worksheets really free?
Yes! All our worksheets are 100% free to download and print. There's no subscription, no hidden fees, and no registration required.
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.