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Multiplying Decimals: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 6
- ForYear 6
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Multiplying Decimals is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11). Children multiply a decimal number by a whole number, with calculations such as 0.3 x 4 and 4.5 x 4. It takes about 15 minutes, needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas, a stretch task and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
The sheet has eight numbered questions, each with space to write the answer. Every question multiplies a decimal by a whole number. Some decimals are less than one, such as 0.8. Others have a whole number part and a tenth, such as 3.4. Children estimate first, then work out the answer and check it makes sense.
- 0.3 x 4
- 2.5 x 3
- 0.6 x 5
- 1.2 x 4
- 3.4 x 2
- 0.7 x 6
- 4.5 x 4
- 0.8 x 9
A worked example with different numbers
1.3 x 7
This question is not one of the eight on the sheet. It shows two ways to think about the same calculation.
Method 1: split the decimal- Split 1.3 into 1 and 0.3.
- Multiply each part by 7. 1 x 7 = 7 and 0.3 x 7 = 2.1.
- Add the two parts. 7 + 2.1 = 9.1.
- 1.3 is 13 tenths.
- Multiply the whole number of tenths. 13 x 7 = 91, so the answer is 91 tenths.
- 91 tenths is 9 wholes and 1 tenth, which is 9.1.
Building the method
Estimate first
Round the decimal to a nearby whole number and multiply. This gives a rough size for the answer, so a misplaced decimal point stands out.
Think in tenths
0.4 is 4 tenths. Multiplying 4 tenths by a whole number gives a number of tenths. Then change the tenths back into wholes and tenths.
Split when it helps
A decimal such as 2.6 can be split into 2 and 0.6. Multiply each part, then add. Writing both parts down keeps the work tidy.
Check against the estimate
Look back at the rough answer. If the final answer is far away from it, find the step where the digits or the point went wrong.
Why decimals need care when multiplying
A decimal number has a whole number part and a part that is smaller than one. The decimal point sits between them. Each place to the right of the point is ten times smaller than the one before it. So the first place after the point shows tenths. That is why 0.3 means three tenths and not just a three.
When children multiply a decimal by a whole number, the digits behave like whole number digits. The tricky part is where the decimal point ends up. Estimating helps, because it gives a sensible size to aim for. Talking about tenths also helps, since children can see that they are multiplying a number of tenths, not a mystery digit.
Skills and curriculum link
- Multiplying decimals
- Place value
- Estimating
- Checking answers
- Reasoning about size
What children will be able to do
- I can multiply a decimal by a whole number.
- I can line up the digits and place the decimal point.
- I can check if my answer is sensible.
Ideas to help with decimals
- Tenths are parts of oneOne whole can be cut into ten equal parts. Each part is one tenth. This picture helps children see why digits after the point are worth less.
- The point does not move on its ownThe decimal point marks where wholes end and parts begin. Children should decide where it goes by checking the size of the answer.
- Whole number facts still workKnown times tables help with decimals. Multiply the digits as if they were whole numbers, then think about what size the answer should be.
- Estimates give a safe rangeRounding the decimal to a nearby whole number shows roughly how big the answer will be. An answer far from the estimate needs another look.
Key words
- DecimalA number with a whole number part and a part smaller than one, shown with a decimal point.
- Decimal pointThe dot that separates the whole number part from the parts smaller than one.
- TenthOne of ten equal parts of a whole. It is written as 0.1.
- Place valueThe value of a digit depends on where it sits in the number.
- EstimateFind a rough answer that is close to the real one, usually by rounding first.
- ProductThe answer you get when you multiply two numbers.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Look at the first question together. Ask your child to estimate the answer before they start.
- Let them choose a method, such as splitting the decimal or thinking in tenths. Ask them to write down each step.
- Check against the answers on page 2. Ask, "How did you decide where the decimal point goes?"
- Come back another day and redo any questions that felt tricky. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Start with the digits as whole numbers, then think in tenths. For 0.2 x 5, work out 2 x 5 = 10. That is 10 tenths, which makes one whole. Try the first few questions and return to the rest later.
To stretch confident children
Make up three questions of your own and swap with a friend. Then try one that has hundredths, such as 0.25 x 4. Explain to your partner how you know where the decimal point goes in your answer.
Make it a game
Race a friend to answer all eight questions, then swap sheets and check each other's work. Or roll a dice for the whole number, pick a decimal such as 0.6 or 1.5, and see who multiplies correctly first.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child ignores the decimal point, so 0.5 x 3 becomes 15.
Try thisAsk for an estimate first. 0.5 is a half, so the answer must be much smaller than 15. Then count the tenths again.
Watch forA child multiplies only the whole part of 1.3 x 2 and leaves the 0.3 unchanged.
Try thisSplit the number into 1 and 0.3. Write both multiplications underneath each other, then add the two results.
Watch forA child writes 0.36 for 0.9 x 4 because the digits are right but the point is misplaced.
Try thisCheck by estimating. 0.9 is just under 1, so the answer should be just under 4. Then place the point to fit.
Talk about it
- How did you decide where the decimal point goes?
- How can you check your answer by estimating?
- Which method did you prefer, splitting the decimal or counting in tenths?
- Where do we use decimals in real life?
- What would change if the whole number was bigger?
- Can you explain 0.4 to someone younger using a picture?
Take it off the page
Shop role play
Set prices in pounds and pence on pretend items. Ask your child to work out the cost of buying several of the same item.
Ruler measuring
Measure a few items in centimetres with a ruler, using tenths of a centimetre. Work out the total length if you had several the same.
Tenths pictures
Draw a strip cut into ten parts. Shade some tenths, write the decimal, then draw several strips and count the total number of tenths.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first question, then let them lead. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty. If they get stuck, ask them to say the number in tenths and estimate first.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
This sheet fits into a wider maths plan alongside real life examples such as money and measuring. Print it again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this fits in maths
Before this, children learn their times tables and meet tenths and hundredths. They see how place value works to the right of the decimal point. In Year 5 they multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals by 10, 100 and 1000, which helps them see how digits change value.
In Year 6, children multiply numbers with up to two decimal places by whole numbers. Later, in Key Stage 3, they meet more complex calculations with decimals. A secure sense of place value and estimating makes that step much easier.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How did you decide where the decimal point goes?
- How can you check your answer by estimating?
- Where do we use decimals in real life?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Multiplying Decimals for?
It is written for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11), in Key Stage 2. Children multiply a decimal number by a whole number, so some confidence with times tables and place value helps.
- What will children practise?
They practise multiplying a decimal number by a whole number. They also practise estimating, lining up digits, placing the decimal point and checking that an answer is sensible.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 15 minutes. Some children may be quicker and others slower, so work through the first question together and let them go at their own pace.
- What if it feels too hard?
Start with the digits as whole numbers, then think in tenths. Use an easier example of your own first, and do the first few questions together before letting your child try the rest alone.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision, and it works well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 includes help and stretch ideas.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time after school, rainy days and school holidays. Children read, think and write by hand.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.