How to Round Numbers to the Hundredths Place

Round your number to the hundredths place to simplify calculations.

Decimals are fractions that do not simplify into whole numbers. These numbers end with a string of numbers following the decimal point. The digits following the decimal can continue on endlessly, depending on the number represented. In order to turn a long or endless decimal into a number you can use to solve a problem, you may need to round the decimal to the hundredths place. The hundredths place is the second digit after the decimal point.

Instructions

1. Write out your decimal at least three places to the right of the decimal point.

2. Round your second to last digit up if the last decimal place has a value of five or higher. Round your second to last digit down if the last decimal place has a value of four or lower.

3. Repeat the previous step until you reach the hundredths place.

Tips & Warnings

• Round using the absolute value of the last decimal. For example, -7 still rounds up, even though it is technically less than four.

• Example: -0.168 goes to -0.17.

References

• Syracuse University: Rounding Off Decimals