GCSE Maths: Rounding & Estimation
Round to decimal places, significant figures, and use estimation. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.
What you need to know
The concepts examiners test on rounding & estimation, and what each one is really asking.
Where marks get lost
The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.
- Rounding 2.349 to 1 d.p. as 2.4 instead of 2.3 (look at the NEXT digit only, not all remaining)
- Confusing decimal places and significant figures
- Writing 400 as 4 × 10² when asked for 1 s.f. (just write 400)
- Forgetting leading zeros don't count as significant figures
Rounding & Estimation questions students ask
Is Rounding & Estimation on the Foundation paper?
Yes. Rounding & Estimation appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.
What should I know before starting Rounding & Estimation?
It builds on Place value and Decimals. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Rounding & Estimation questions assume them.
What is the most common mistake in Rounding & Estimation?
Rounding 2.349 to 1 d.p. as 2.4 instead of 2.3 (look at the NEXT digit only, not all remaining).
Which exam boards cover Rounding & Estimation?
All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.