Place value tells us how much each digit in a number is worth, based on its position. The same digit can represent very different values depending on where it appears in the number.

For whole numbers, place value moves to the left in powers of 10:
units, tens, hundreds, thousands, and so on.
For example, in 3,462, the digit 3 represents three thousand, while in 362 it represents three hundred.

For decimal numbers, place value continues to the right of the decimal point:
tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and beyond.
For example, in 4.57, the 5 represents five tenths and the 7 represents seven hundredths.

Zeros are important because they act as placeholders, keeping other digits in the correct positions.
Compare 5.04 and 5.4 — the zero changes the value of the number.

You should be able to:

Identify the value of any digit in a number
Understand how place value changes across the decimal point
Use place value to read, write, compare, and round numbers
A secure understanding of place value is essential for accuracy across all areas of maths.