Round decimals - to 2 decimal places
Theory
To round a decimal to 2 decimal places, look at the thousandths digit: round the hundredths up if it is \(5\) or more, down if it is less. Write the answer with exactly two digits after the point, so \(2.00\), not \(2\).
Rounding to 2 decimal places keeps two digits after the point — the tenths and hundredths.
Look at the next digit, the thousandths. If it is \(5\) or more, round the hundredths up; otherwise keep it.
The answer must show exactly two decimal places, so write \(2.00\), not \(2\).
Read the thousandths digit, then round the hundredths.
| Decimal | Thousandths digit | Rounds to |
|---|---|---|
| \(3.456\) | \(6\) (up) | \(3.46\) |
| \(2.341\) | \(1\) (down) | \(2.34\) |
| \(1.995\) | \(5\) (up) | \(2.00\) |
How to round to 2 decimal places
- Find the thousandths digit, the third digit after the point.
- Round the hundredths up if the thousandths digit is \(5\) or more.
- Write the answer with two digits after the point.
Thousandths digit \(6 \geq 5\), so round up.
| \(3.456\) | \(=\) | \(3.46\) |
Thousandths digit \(1 < 5\), so round down.
| \(2.341\) | \(=\) | \(2.34\) |
The carry runs through the tenths.
| \(1.995\) | \(=\) | \(2.00\) |
Thousandths digit \(5\), so round up.
| \(0.125\) | \(=\) | \(0.13\) |
Common pitfalls
Frequently asked questions
Which digit decides the rounding?
The thousandths digit, the third digit after the point. If it is \(5\) or more, the hundredths rounds up.
Why write 2.00 instead of 2?
Rounding to two decimal places means the answer must show two digits after the point, so \(2.00\) shows the level of rounding.
What if the hundredths is a 9?
Rounding up carries through. \(1.995\) rounds to \(2.00\).
Do digits after the thousandths matter?
No. Only the thousandths digit decides which way the hundredths rounds.