Grade 4Math skills checklist

What should a 4th grader know in math?

The complete grade 4 math skills checklist

Fourth grade deepens fraction understanding and introduces decimals. Students need strong multi-digit multiplication and division skills — these are the building blocks for everything ahead.

Multi-Digit Operations

Multiply multi-digit numbers

Use place value strategies and the standard algorithm.

Examples: 34 × 26 = 884, 156 × 4 = 624

Divide with remainders

Find quotients and remainders for one-digit divisors.

Examples: 73 ÷ 5 = 14 R3, 100 ÷ 7 = 14 R2

Understand factors and multiples

Identify factor pairs and recognize multiples.

Examples: Factors of 24: 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24, Multiples of 6: 6,12,18,24...

Recognize prime and composite numbers

Know that primes have exactly 2 factors.

Examples: 7 is prime, 12 is composite

Fractions

Build equivalent fractions

Multiply or divide numerator and denominator by the same number.

Examples: 2/3 = 8/12, 6/8 = 3/4

Compare fractions with different denominators

Use benchmarks or common denominators to compare.

Examples: 3/5 vs 2/3 → 9/15 vs 10/15 → 2/3 is greater
Common misconception

Add and subtract fractions (same denominator)

Add numerators, keep the denominator.

Examples: 3/8 + 2/8 = 5/8, 7/10 - 3/10 = 4/10

Add and subtract mixed numbers

Work with whole numbers and fraction parts.

Examples: 2 1/4 + 1 2/4 = 3 3/4

Multiply fractions by whole numbers

Understand as repeated addition or scaling.

Examples: 3 × 2/5 = 6/5 = 1 1/5
Common misconception

Decimals

Understand decimal notation

Connect decimals to fractions and place value.

Examples: 0.3 = 3/10, 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4
Common misconception

Compare decimals

Use place value to order decimals.

Examples: 0.45 < 0.5, 0.8 > 0.08

Add and subtract decimals (simple)

Line up decimal points and compute.

Examples: 1.25 + 0.75 = 2.00, 3.5 - 1.2 = 2.3

Geometry & Measurement

Measure and draw angles

Use a protractor to measure in degrees.

Examples: A right angle is 90°, Draw a 45° angle

Classify shapes by properties

Identify triangles and quadrilaterals by angles and sides.

Examples: Right triangle, Parallelogram vs rectangle

Understand lines of symmetry

Identify and draw lines of symmetry in figures.

Examples: A square has 4 lines of symmetry

Convert measurement units

Convert within the same system.

Examples: 3 feet = 36 inches, 2 kg = 2000 g

Where grade 4 students often struggle

  • Adding fractions by adding denominators (1/2 + 1/3 ≠ 2/5)
  • Forgetting to regroup in multi-digit multiplication
  • Comparing decimals incorrectly (0.45 > 0.5 because 45 > 5)
  • Not checking if answers make sense
  • Confusing factors and multiples

Signs your child is on track

  • Estimates before calculating to check reasonableness
  • Explains fraction equivalence with pictures or reasoning
  • Connects decimals to fractions fluently
  • Breaks apart multiplication problems strategically (34 × 6 = 30×6 + 4×6)
  • Catches own errors by checking work

Coming in grade 5

Mastering these grade 4 skills prepares your child for:

Adding fractions with unlike denominators
Multiplying fractions by fractions
Dividing fractions
All four operations with decimals
Volume of rectangular prisms
Coordinate graphing

Not sure where your child stands?

Our diagnostic identifies exactly which skills need work and creates a personalized practice plan.

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