How to Do Long Division Step by Step
Long division becomes easier when you repeat the same four moves: divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down. Follow the examples below to see how each step fits together.
What Is Long Division?
Long division is a written method for dividing larger numbers one place at a time. It keeps each part of the work lined up so you can see the quotient, products, subtractions, and any remainder.
Example: In 125 ÷ 5 = 25, 125 is the dividend, 5 is the divisor, and 25 is the quotient.
The Four Long Division Steps
Each round uses the same pattern. Work with the current part of the dividend, then bring down the next digit when there is one.
Divide
Ask how many times the divisor fits into the current part of the dividend without going over.
Multiply
Multiply that quotient digit by the divisor.
Subtract
Subtract the product from the current number.
Bring Down
Bring down the next digit of the dividend and repeat.
Divide → Multiply → Subtract → Bring Down ↺
Basic Pattern
Example 1: 125 ÷ 5
125 ÷ 5 = 25
25
----
5 ) 125
10
--
25
25
--
0
- 5 goes into 12 two times.
- 2 × 5 = 10.
- 12 − 10 = 2.
- Bring down the 5 to make 25.
- 5 goes into 25 five times.
- 5 × 5 = 25.
- 25 − 25 = 0.
Repeat the Four Steps
Example 2: 936 ÷ 4
936 ÷ 4 = 234
234
-----
4 ) 936
8
-
13
12
--
16
16
--
0
The same four moves repeat several times. After each quotient digit, multiply, subtract, and bring down the next digit. Work with 9 first, then 13, and finally 16.
Keeping each digit in its column helps 234 line up with the parts of 936 it comes from.
Watch the Zero in the Quotient
Example 3: Why the Zero in 201 Matters
1005 ÷ 5 = 201
201
------
5 ) 1005
10
--
0
0
-
05
5
-
0
After 5 goes into 10 two times, bring down the next 0. Since 5 does not fit into 0, write 0 in the quotient.
The 0 is a placeholder. It keeps the quotient digits in the correct place-value columns.
Without it, 1005 ÷ 5 would be written incorrectly as 21 instead of 201.
Long Division with Remainders
Sometimes the division does not end at 0. For example, 157 ÷ 4 = 39 R1.
39
-----
4 ) 157
12
--
37
36
--
1
If there are no more digits to bring down and the amount left is smaller than the divisor, that amount is the remainder.
A remainder must always be smaller than the divisor.
Common Long Division Mistakes
- Skipping a zero in the quotient: If a place does not divide, you may still need a 0 to keep the place values correct.
- Putting digits in the wrong columns: Quotient digits, products, and remainders should line up with the part of the dividend being used.
- Subtracting incorrectly: A small subtraction error changes every step after it, so check each difference before bringing down.
- Bringing down the wrong digit: Bring down the next unused digit of the dividend, in order from left to right.
- Leaving a remainder that is too large: If the remainder is as large as or larger than the divisor, the quotient digit should have been bigger.
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Open the Long Division CalculatorFAQ
What are the four steps of long division?
The four steps are divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down. You repeat them until there are no more digits to bring down.
How do I know which number goes inside the division symbol?
The dividend goes inside the division symbol. It is the number being divided.
What happens when a number does not divide evenly?
The amount left over is the remainder, as long as it is smaller than the divisor.
Why is there sometimes a zero in the quotient?
A zero may be needed when one place value does not divide. It keeps the rest of the quotient in the correct columns.
How can I check a long division answer?
Use quotient × divisor + remainder = dividend. For example, 39 × 4 + 1 = 157.