How is 3rd grade expanded form different from 2nd?

Numbers grow to four digits and include internal zeros, like 4,096 = 4,000 + 90 + 6. Those zeros cause most of the mistakes, so the sheets include them on purpose.

Do the sheets go both directions?

Yes. Some problems expand a number into parts, others give the parts and ask for the number, so your child sees place value both ways.

3rd grade expanded form

3rd grade expanded form worksheets

By 3rd grade, expanded form moves to four-digit numbers, including tricky ones with internal zeros: 4,096 is 4,000 + 90 + 6, with no hundreds part to write. These worksheets practice both expanding and composing.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 4.NBT.A.2.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of problems you'll get

Read each direction. Write the expanded form, number, or number name.

Write in expanded form. 809
Answer: 800 + 9
Write the number. 1000 + 0 + 0 + 8
Answer: 1008
Write in words. 7439
Answer: seven thousand four hundred thirty-nine

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on a 3rd grade sheet

The sample sheet above has 10 problems. This sheet is aligned to 4.NBT.A.2. The 2nd grade sheet is aligned to 2.NBT.A.3, 4.NBT.A.2.

Expanded form. Read each direction. Write the expanded form, number, or number name. 10 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

How to teach this

Watch the zeros. Read 4,000 + 90 + 6 aloud and ask "which place do you not hear?" The missing hundreds is the trap. Going the other way, have your child draw a short line for each place first, then fill the digits in.

Watch for: Kids write 358 as 3 + 5 + 8. Each digit stands for its place value, so it's 300 + 50 + 8. Kids skip an empty place and read 4,000 + 90 + 6 as 496. The missing hundreds still needs a zero, so it's 4,096.

Common questions about 3rd grade expanded form

How is 3rd grade expanded form different from 2nd?: Numbers grow to four digits and include internal zeros, like 4,096 = 4,000 + 90 + 6. Those zeros cause most of the mistakes, so the sheets include them on purpose.
Do the sheets go both directions?: Yes. Some problems expand a number into parts, others give the parts and ask for the number, so your child sees place value both ways.

Related worksheets

Ready to print one?

Need a fresh set of problems? Print another copy. The difficulty you picked above stays.

Aligned to Common Core 4.NBT.A.2. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

Spot a mistake on this sheet? Tell us. · About these worksheets