Maths in grade 4: numbers to a million, written multiplication and division

What grade 4 usually covers

Grade 4 completes the primary curriculum. Details differ between states, but these topics are typical:

• Numbers to a million: reading, writing and comparing large numbers, understanding place value from ones to hundred thousands, rounding.
• Written multiplication: multiplying by one- and two-digit numbers, built on the times tables and on splitting numbers (34 × 27 = 34 × 20 + 34 × 7).
• Written division: dividing by one-digit numbers, with and without remainder.
• Written addition and subtraction with larger numbers, revised and extended from grade 3.
• Measures: length, mass, capacity, time and money with conversions between units, and decimal notation in money and lengths.
• Data and chance: reading and drawing simple tables and bar charts, first ideas of probability.
• Geometry: perimeter and area, symmetry, nets of solids.
• Problem solving: several steps, many everyday contexts.

What should feel secure by the end of the year

1. Times tables and division facts without long thinking.
2. One reliable written method for each operation, plus estimating and checking.
3. Place value with large numbers.
4. Reading word problems, picking the steps and writing an answer sentence.

How to practise at home

• Keep mental maths alive. Written methods only work well on top of quick basic facts. See Mental maths in grades 1 to 4.
• Split the big into small. For 34 × 27, do 34 × 20 and 34 × 7 and add them. Understanding this makes the written layout easier to remember. Details for written methods are in Column addition and subtraction.
• Estimate every time. 34 × 27 is about 30 × 30 = 900. If the result is 91 or 9 180, something is wrong.
• Use real numbers. Distances, populations and prices give large numbers a meaning.
• Look for gaps calmly. Before the move to secondary school, find one or two weak spots and revise them with short, regular practice rather than a big cramming effort.

Typical stumbling blocks

• Missing zeros in written multiplication. Shifting the second row by one place is easy to forget. Use squared paper.
• Division as a mystery ritual. Talk through each step: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.
• Unit conversions. Draw a small table: 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1 000 g.
• Test stress. Practise little and often so the transfer to a new school feels less scary.

Where Recheneule can help

Recheneule covers the four operations in short game rounds for grades 1 to 4, with no ads and no account. It is a good tool for regular revision of the basic facts that written methods rely on. When you pick a maths app, the checklist in Choosing a maths app for kids helps. More on the Recheneule page. Before this guide: maths in grade 3.