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How to Divide by A Decimal Without Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Dividing by decimals can seem tricky, but there's a simple method that makes it easy. This guide will show you how to divide by decimals without a calculator, with clear instructions, examples, and a built-in calculator to practice.

The Simple Method

To divide by a decimal, follow these two simple steps:

  1. Move the decimal point in the divisor (the number you're dividing by) to the right until it becomes a whole number.
  2. Move the decimal point in the dividend (the number you're dividing) the same number of places to the right.

This method works because moving the decimal point in both numbers maintains the value of the division problem.

Formula: Dividend ÷ Divisor = (Dividend × 10n) ÷ (Divisor × 10n)

Where n is the number of places you move the decimal point in the divisor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Dividend and Divisor

First, identify which number is the dividend (the number being divided) and which is the divisor (the number you're dividing by).

Step 2: Count Decimal Places in Divisor

Count how many places you need to move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number.

Step 3: Move Decimal in Both Numbers

Move the decimal point in both the dividend and the divisor the same number of places to the right.

Step 4: Perform the Division

Now that both numbers are whole numbers, perform the division as you normally would.

Step 5: Place the Decimal in the Answer

Count how many decimal places are in the original divisor. Place the decimal point in your answer so that it has the same number of decimal places.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 0.6 ÷ 0.2

  1. Divisor is 0.2. Move decimal 1 place right to make it 2.
  2. Move decimal in dividend 0.6 1 place right to make it 6.
  3. Now divide: 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
  4. Original divisor had 1 decimal place, so answer is 3.0.

Example 2: 3.6 ÷ 0.4

  1. Divisor is 0.4. Move decimal 1 place right to make it 4.
  2. Move decimal in dividend 3.6 1 place right to make it 36.
  3. Now divide: 36 ÷ 4 = 9.
  4. Original divisor had 1 decimal place, so answer is 9.0.

Example 3: 1.25 ÷ 0.25

  1. Divisor is 0.25. Move decimal 2 places right to make it 25.
  2. Move decimal in dividend 1.25 2 places right to make it 125.
  3. Now divide: 125 ÷ 25 = 5.
  4. Original divisor had 2 decimal places, so answer is 5.00.

Common Mistakes

When dividing decimals, it's easy to make these common errors:

  • Forgetting to move the decimal point in both numbers
  • Moving the decimal point in only one number
  • Counting the decimal places incorrectly
  • Placing the decimal point in the wrong place in the final answer

Tip: Practice with simple examples first, then gradually work with more complex numbers to build confidence.

FAQ

Do I always have to move the decimal point in both numbers?
Yes, you must move the decimal point in both the dividend and the divisor the same number of places to maintain the value of the division problem.
What if the divisor is already a whole number?
If the divisor is already a whole number, you don't need to move the decimal point. Just divide the numbers as you normally would.
How do I know where to place the decimal point in the answer?
Count how many decimal places are in the original divisor. Your answer should have the same number of decimal places.
Can I use this method for division problems with whole numbers?
Yes, this method works for any division problem, whether the numbers are decimals or whole numbers.