CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.3
The Standard
Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the two nearest multiples of a named place, then decide which one is closer. They use the digit directly to the right to support their choice.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can round the same number to different places and record each result correctly. The student can name the two nearest benchmark multiples and explain why one is closer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may check every digit to the right instead of only the digit beside the target place. They may change digits to the left or forget to replace digits to the right with zeros. Some think a 5 can round down.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Round 347,582 to the nearest hundred, thousand, and ten thousand. For one answer, name the two nearest benchmark multiples.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a floor number line with tape, place 347,582 between benchmark multiples, and stand at the closer endpoint.
Write a response to: Why does 65,000 become 70,000 to the nearest ten thousand but stay 65,000 to the nearest thousand?
Play Rounding Match: students pair number cards with target-place cards and rounded-answer cards, then justify each match to a partner.
Use local population figures to create nearest-thousand estimates, then compare which town appears largest after rounding.
Free download
Printable 4.NBT.A.3 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Number & Operations in Base Ten progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.1
Rounding to any place extends the same place value and benchmark thinking used for nearest 10 or 100.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.2
Rounding multi-digit numbers requires knowing each digit’s place value and using nearby place-value benchmarks to decide the rounded number.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.1
Rounding to any place uses understanding of place positions and how each digit's value changes by powers of ten.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.