Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

Math Worksheet · Grades 4–5

Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

Free printable decimal-arithmetic worksheet for grades 4-5. Students add and subtract 31 items – 12 horizontal one-decimal-place problems, 8 stacked two-decimal-place problems mixing addition and subtraction, 8 harder stacked problems, and 3 short word problems – anchored by a reference box that demonstrates the align-the-decimal-points procedure on a non-reused example. Includes a complete answer key.

Preview of page 1 of the Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

Subject

Math

Grades

Grades 4–5

Skill Focus

Adding and Subtracting Decimals, decimals

Lesson Length

25 minutes

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

Adding and subtracting decimals reuses every column-arithmetic skill students built with whole numbers, with one new rule: the decimal points must line up. This worksheet builds that habit by moving from horizontal one-decimal problems to stacked two-decimal problems, ending with money and measurement contexts.

A reference box at the top of page 1 demonstrates the align-the-decimal-points procedure on a non-reused example, 3.42 + 1.85 = 5.27. The example shows that the rule is the same for any number of decimal places: stack the points and bring the point straight down into the answer.

Section C focuses on the trickiest cases: regrouping across the decimal point and subtracting from a whole-dollar amount written with trailing zeros (for example, 50.00 – 24.67). Page 3 is a complete answer key with the operation line for every item.

How to Use This Lesson

Warm up by reading the reference box aloud and modeling the decimal-point alignment on a whiteboard.

Use Section A (horizontal one-decimal) for guided pair-share; have students rewrite each problem stacked before solving.

Use Section B (stacked two-decimal, mixed) for independent practice; flag the subtraction items that need regrouping.

Use Section C (harder stacked) for additional practice; circle each problem that requires borrowing across the decimal point.

Use Section D (word problems) as a 5-minute exit ticket; the first problem is a money context.

Use the answer key on page 3 for student self-check or aide spot-check.

Printable Resource

A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.

Free Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key

Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheet

Free printable decimal-arithmetic worksheet for grades 4-5. Students add and subtract 31 items – 12 horizontal one-decimal-place problems, 8 stacked two-decimal-place problems mixing addition and subtraction, 8 harder stacked problems, and 3 short word problems – anchored by a reference box that demonstrates the align-the-decimal-points procedure on a non-reused example. Includes a complete answer key.