Rounding whole numbers worksheets

Rounding whole numbers helps students estimate, compare quantities and judge whether an exact calculation is sensible. These worksheets use numbers from two through six digits and support rounding to the nearest ten, hundred or thousand whenever the selected number length includes that place.

The starting preset uses five-digit numbers rounded to the nearest hundred. Teachers can choose a different target, reduce the number length for introductory practice, generate 10 to 30 questions or make multiple versions. Exact round-half-up answers appear on a separate optional key.

Round using place value

• Locate the tens, hundreds or thousands digit named in the question.
• Inspect the digit immediately to the right of that target place.
• Keep the target digit when the deciding digit is less than 5.
• Increase the target digit when the deciding digit is 5 or greater.
• Replace every digit to the right with zero and compare with the two nearest multiples.

Connect the rule to a number line

When rounding 34,672 to the nearest hundred, identify the surrounding hundreds 34,600 and 34,700 and their midpoint 34,650. Since the original number is beyond the midpoint, it is closer to 34,700. This model explains why the tens digit controls rounding to hundreds and why halfway values round up.

How to print this worksheet

1. Check the settings above. They are already set for rounding whole numbers.
2. Pick 10, 15, 20 or 30 problems, a title, and the name or date lines you want.
3. Choose US Letter or A4 to match the paper in your printer.
4. Press Download PDF for a file you can save and reuse, or Print to send it straight to your printer.
5. Keep the answer key page for yourself. The sheet number in the footer lets you make the exact same sheet again later.