Meaning & use
decimal point
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
The dot used in numbers to separate the whole part from the fraction part.
Grammar: A countable noun; it can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
Patterns
- a decimal point
- the decimal point
- after/before the decimal point
In 3.14, the decimal point separates the 3 from the 14.
Make sure you put the decimal point in the right place when you write the answer.
The number 0.5 has a zero before the decimal point.
Word forms
| plural | decimal points |
|---|
Common combinations
- move the decimal point
- To multiply by 10, move the decimal point one place to the right.
- after the decimal point
- The digits after the decimal point are called decimals.
- before the decimal point
- Write the whole number before the decimal point.
- decimal point placement
- Check your decimal point placement carefully.
Synonyms and how they differ
- decimal separator
- A more technical term that can also refer to a comma used in some countries.
Word family
Commonly confused: decimal point or comma?
decimal point vs comma
In some countries, a comma is used as the decimal separator, so '3,14' means the same as '3.14' in the US and UK.
Practice
In the number 12.34, what is the decimal point?
Choose one answer.
The decimal point is the dot that separates the whole number part (12) from the fractional part (34). A comma is used in some countries but not in standard US or UK usage.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “decimal point”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.