11+ Maths
Rounding to nearest 10, 100, 1000 or decimal place — and using estimates to check answers in the 11+.
Rounding appears in 32 of our 338 ready papers (51 tagged questions). It averages 1.6 questions a paper worth about 1.16 marks each. The typical question allows around 29 sec.
Rounding questions look quick and still lose marks when children round the wrong digit or forget the “5 rounds up” rule. Papers ask for nearest 10, 100 or 1000, rounding decimals, and estimate-then-calculate checks. Independent papers often pair rounding with money or measurement so the context matters. Teach a clear method: find the place, look at the next digit, decide, rewrite the number with zeros where needed. Practise estimating before a long calculation so rounding becomes a checking habit, not only a standalone question. Under time pressure, underline the place value word in the stem before you touch the digits. When two rounding instructions appear in one question, finish the first completely before starting the second so intermediate digits do not confuse you.
A real tagged question from our catalogue — method included, not paywalled.
Ranked from our tagged catalogue — open a paper to practise the questions that actually test this topic.
Not sure whether rounding is the problem? Mark any past paper on 11plusSolved and the report tells you which topics are costing marks — and how many.
