Multiplying Decimals

Multiplying decimals is similar to multiplying whole numbers, but you need to account for the decimal places in the final answer.

How to multiply decimals?
Step 1: Multiply, ignoring the decimal.
Step 2: Count the number of digits after the decimal in each factor.
Step 3: Put the same number of places behind the decimal in the product.

The following figure shows an example of how to multiply decimals. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.

Decimal Worksheets
Practice your decimal skills with the following worksheets.
Printable & Online Decimal Worksheets

Example 1: Multiplying Two Decimals
Multiply 3.2×1.5
Step 1: Ignore the Decimals
Multiply 32×15=480
Step 2: Count the Decimal Places
3.2 has 1 decimal place.
1.5 has 1 decimal place.
Total decimal places: 1+1=2.
Step 3: Place the Decimal Point
Start from the right of the product (480) and count 2 places to the left: 4.80
The final answer is 4.80 (or 4.8).

Example 2: Multiplying a Decimal by a Whole Number
Multiply 0.04×6
Step 1: Ignore the Decimals
Multiply 4×6=24
Step 2: Count the Decimal Places
0.04 has 2 decimal places.
6 has 0 decimal places.
Total decimal places: 2+0=2.
Step 3: Place the Decimal Point
Start from the right of the product (24) and count 2 places to the left: 0.24
The final answer is 0.24.

Example 3: Multiplying Two Decimals with More Places
Multiply 0.12×0.3
Step 1: Ignore the Decimals
Multiply 12×3=36
Step 2: Count the Decimal Places
0.12 has 2 decimal places.
0.3 has 1 decimal place.
Total decimal places: 2+1=3.
Step 3: Place the Decimal Point
Start from the right of the product (36) and count 3 places to the left: 0.036
The final answer is 0.036.
(If there are not enough digits in the product, add zeros to the left.)

Multiplying decimals
Examples:
1.65 x 7
2.34 x 1.2
21.45 x 1.867

How to multiply decimal numbers?
Examples:
4.56 x 1.7

• Show Step-by-step Solutions

Multiplying Decimals
Examples:
4.2 x 12
.0625 x .56
.12 x .11

• Show Step-by-step Solutions

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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