How does dividing by a decimal work?

Move both decimal points the same number of places to the right until the divisor is a whole number: 4.8 ÷ 0.6 becomes 48 ÷ 6. Both numbers got ten times bigger, so the answer doesn't change.

Why are these written horizontally instead of with a bracket?

Because the skill being practiced is the rewrite. Your child turns each problem into a whole number division first, and most of those quotients are ones a sixth grader can do mentally.

6th grade dividing decimals

6th grade dividing decimals worksheets

Sixth grade divides by a decimal, written horizontally: 4.8 ÷ 0.6. The move is to shift both decimal points the same number of places until the divisor is whole (48 ÷ 6), because multiplying both numbers by ten doesn't change the answer.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 6.NS.B.3.

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

Calculate exactly. Show your work.

8.1 ÷ 10 =
Answer: 0.81
9.7 ÷ 10 =
Answer: 0.97
1.0 ÷ 5 =
Answer: 0.20

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 6th grade sheet

The sample sheet above has 12 problems. Its answers run from 0.013 to 43.00. On the 5th grade sample they run from 0.27 to 22.00. The 5th grade sample has 9. This sheet is aligned to 6.NS.B.3. The 5th grade sheet is aligned to 5.NBT.B.7.

Dividing decimals. Calculate exactly. Show your work. 12 problems per page.

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

How to teach this

Say the why out loud once: moving both points one place is multiplying both numbers by 10, so 48 ÷ 6 asks the same question as 4.8 ÷ 0.6. Have your child rewrite each problem with the points already moved before dividing anything. If an answer looks ten times too big or too small, the points moved unevenly. That's the spot to recheck.

Watch for: Kids drop the decimal point once the dividing starts, writing 12 for 9.6 ÷ 8. Place the point in the answer first, straight above the one under the bracket. Kids move only one number's decimal point. The trick works because both move together, the same number of places, like multiplying both numbers by 10.

Common questions about 6th grade dividing decimals

How does dividing by a decimal work?: Move both decimal points the same number of places to the right until the divisor is a whole number: 4.8 ÷ 0.6 becomes 48 ÷ 6. Both numbers got ten times bigger, so the answer doesn't change.
Why are these written horizontally instead of with a bracket?: Because the skill being practiced is the rewrite. Your child turns each problem into a whole number division first, and most of those quotients are ones a sixth grader can do mentally.

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 6.NS.B.3. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated October 2026.

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