Move the Decimal, Then Divide
Decimal division is the hardest decimal operation. Master the "move the decimal" rule to divide by whole numbers and decimals.
Decimal division requires an extra step that no other operation requires: moving the decimal point in both the divisor and dividend before dividing. Children who can divide whole numbers may freeze on 6.8 ÷ 0.2 because they don't know what to do with the decimal points. The fix is explicit teaching of the "move the decimal" rule, with practice multiplying decimals by powers of ten first.
These worksheets build decimal division skills systematically — from decimal ÷ whole number to decimal ÷ decimal with multiple place movements. For students who need whole number division fluency before decimals, see our division practice worksheets.
Three stages — master decimal ÷ whole number first
Worksheets present decimal divided by a whole number (6.8 ÷ 2). Divide as usual, keeping the decimal point in the same position. Spend 5-7 days on this stage.
Worksheets present decimal divided by a decimal where moving the decimal point one place makes the divisor whole (6.8 ÷ 0.2 → 68 ÷ 2 = 34). Spend 5-7 days on this stage.
Worksheets present decimal divided by a decimal where moving the decimal point two or three places is needed (6.8 ÷ 0.02 → 680 ÷ 2 = 340). Spend 5-7 days on this stage.
Teach this script — move the decimal before dividing
Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number. Count how many places you moved.
Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right. Add zeros if needed.
Divide the new numbers as whole numbers. Place the decimal point in the quotient directly above the new dividend's decimal point.
Move decimal 1 place left
34.5 ÷ 10 = 3.45
Move decimal 2 places left
34.5 ÷ 100 = 0.345
Move decimal 3 places left
34.5 ÷ 1000 = 0.0345
If your child continues to struggle with decimal division — especially the "move the decimal" step — the issue is usually place value understanding or multiplication by powers of ten. Our Number Sense Foundations course (K-2) builds the conceptual groundwork that makes decimal operations stick. You can also browse all available courses and planners on the resources page.
View Number Sense Foundations — $57Master multiplication before division
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Practice subtracting decimals before division
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Build whole number division fluency first
Full 6th grade math overview
Real questions parents ask about decimal division
Our worksheets cover dividing decimals by whole numbers (6.8 ÷ 2), dividing decimals by decimals (6.8 ÷ 0.2), dividing decimals by powers of ten (34.5 ÷ 10, 100, 1000), and real-world word problems involving decimal division.
To divide by a decimal, move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number. Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places. Then divide as usual. For example, 6.8 ÷ 0.2 becomes 68 ÷ 2 = 34. This works because you are multiplying both numbers by the same power of ten.
Decimal division is the hardest decimal operation because it requires moving the decimal point in both the divisor and dividend before dividing. Children who struggle often lack understanding of place value or multiplication by powers of ten. The fix is explicit teaching of the "move the decimal" rule and practice with multiplying decimals by 10, 100, and 1000 first.
Move the decimal point in the divisor to the right until it becomes a whole number. Move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places to the right. Then divide as usual. Add zeros to the dividend if needed. For example, 6.8 ÷ 0.2: move both one place right → 68 ÷ 2 = 34. For 6.8 ÷ 0.02: move both two places right → 680 ÷ 2 = 340.
Start decimal division after your child has mastered whole number division, decimal place value, and decimal multiplication. Typically this is in late 5th grade or early 6th grade. Do not start decimal division until your child can divide whole numbers with remainders and multiply decimals by powers of ten. Most children need 4-6 weeks of prerequisite practice before decimal division.
To divide a decimal by 10, move the decimal point one place to the left (34.5 ÷ 10 = 3.45). By 100, move two places left (34.5 ÷ 100 = 0.345). By 1000, move three places left (34.5 ÷ 1000 = 0.0345). This works because dividing by 10, 100, or 1000 makes the number smaller. Teach this as a shortcut after the standard division method is understood.
10-15 problems per session is effective. Decimal division takes longer because of the extra step of moving decimal points. Start with decimal ÷ whole number (easier), then decimal ÷ decimal (harder). Spend 2-3 weeks on decimal ÷ whole number before introducing decimal ÷ decimal. Most children need 6-8 weeks total to become fluent with decimal division.
Answer keys provide the final correctly formatted decimal answer. Encourage your child to show their work: write the moved decimal points, then divide. This allows you to see where errors occur.
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