Adding and Subtracting Decimals

In a Nutshell

Line up the decimal points, fill any gaps with zeros, then add or subtract column by column.

Adding and subtracting decimals works exactly like adding and subtracting whole numbers. The one golden rule: keep the decimal points lined up.

When one number has fewer decimal places than the other, pad it with trailing zeros so both numbers have the same length. For example, to add $3.4 + 2.75$ , rewrite $3.4$ as $3.40$ first.

The column method animator below lets you try different pairs of numbers and see the calculation laid out step by step.

First: Second:

Enter two decimal numbers, then press Add or Subtract to see the digits aligned by place value.

Watch it work

Question: Work out $14.3 - 6.87$ .

Have a go

Q1. Work out $5.6 + 3.48$ .

Q2. Work out $12.5 - 4.73$ .

Q3. Work out $0.45 + 0.6 + 1.395$ .

Q4. Sam buys a drink for £1.85 and a sandwich for £3.49. How much change does he get from £10?