Maths Library

Multiplying Decimals: Grade 5 math

This topic covers multiplying decimals by whole numbers and other decimals. Students practise tracking decimal places and applying standard written multiplication algorithms.

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What this covers

Multiplying Decimals is taught in Grade 5 (age 10 to 11) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Decimals strand.

Worked example

Calculate 0.4 x 0.12

  1. Multiply ignoring decimals: 4 x 12 = 48
  2. Count total decimal places: 1 + 2 = 3 decimal places
  3. Place decimal point: 0.048

Answer: 0.048

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. 1-digit whole number multiplied by a decimal with 1 decimal place
  2. 2-digit whole number multiplied by a decimal with 1 or 2 decimal places
  3. Two numbers each with 1 decimal place, e.g. 0.4 x 0.7 or 1.2 x 0.3
  4. Multiplying decimals with up to 3 total decimal places, e.g. 2.4 x 0.15
  5. Word problems and multistep calculations involving decimals with up to 4 total decimal places

Common mistakes

  • Adding decimal places instead of multiplying, such as 0.3 x 0.3 = 0.9
  • Aligning decimal points vertically as in addition instead of counting places

Curriculum links

Indicative matches to Common Core State Standards. Check wording and codes against the official document.

  • 5.NBT.B.7 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths using concrete models or written strategies.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

Multiplying Decimals

Grade 5 math

Qs
6
Marks
6
NameDateScore / 6
1.
0.4 × 7 =
[1]
2.
0.4 × 6 =
[1]
3.
0.2 × 6 =
[1]
4.
0.2 × 2 =
[1]
5.
0.4 × 9 =
[1]
6.
0.4 × 9 =
[1]

Answer key

  1. 2.8Ignore the decimal points: 4 × 7; Then put back 1 decimal place: 2.8
  2. 2.4Ignore the decimal points: 4 × 6; Then put back 1 decimal place: 2.4
  3. 1.2Ignore the decimal points: 2 × 6; Then put back 1 decimal place: 1.2
  4. 0.4Ignore the decimal points: 2 × 2; Then put back 1 decimal place: 0.4
  5. 3.6Ignore the decimal points: 4 × 9; Then put back 1 decimal place: 3.6
  6. 3.6Ignore the decimal points: 4 × 9; Then put back 1 decimal place: 3.6