Long Division Calculator

Divide one whole number by another and follow every step of long division. Get the quotient, the remainder and the decimal answer.

Answer
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Decimal–
As a mixed number–

Step by step

StepBring downDivideMultiplySubtract

How long division works

Long division breaks a big division into small steps, one digit at a time. Every step repeats the same four actions:

  1. Divide: how many times does the divisor fit into the current number?
  2. Multiply: multiply the divisor by that digit.
  3. Subtract: take the product away to find what is left over.
  4. Bring down: bring down the next digit and start again.

A handy memory trick is "Does McDonald's Sell Burgers?" for Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring down.

Worked example: 7,865 ÷ 4

  1. 4 goes into 7 once. 1 × 4 = 4. 7 − 4 = 3.
  2. Bring down 8 to make 38. 4 goes into 38 nine times. 9 × 4 = 36. 38 − 36 = 2.
  3. Bring down 6 to make 26. 4 goes into 26 six times. 6 × 4 = 24. 26 − 24 = 2.
  4. Bring down 5 to make 25. 4 goes into 25 six times. 6 × 4 = 24. 25 − 24 = 1.

The quotient is 1,966 with a remainder of 1, or 1,966.25 as a decimal.

Tips for getting it right

  • Keep digits lined up in columns. Graph paper helps.
  • Each remainder must be smaller than the divisor. If not, the digit you chose was too small.
  • If the divisor does not fit, write a 0 in the quotient before bringing down the next digit.
  • Always check: quotient × divisor + remainder = dividend.

Last reviewed October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps of long division?

Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, and repeat. Divide the current number by the divisor, multiply the divisor by that digit, subtract to find the remainder, then bring down the next digit of the dividend.

How do I write the remainder?

You can write it with an R, as a fraction or as a decimal. 7,865 ÷ 4 is 1,966 R 1, which is also 1,966 1/4 or 1,966.25.

What if the divisor is bigger than the first digit?

Write a 0 in the quotient for that position (or skip it at the start) and bring down the next digit, so you are dividing into a larger number. For 156 ÷ 6, start with 15 because 6 does not go into 1.

How do I check my answer?

Multiply the quotient by the divisor and add the remainder. You should get the dividend back: 1,966 × 4 + 1 = 7,865.

Can I divide decimals with long division?

Yes. Move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number, and move the dividend's decimal point the same number of places. This calculator works with whole numbers and shows the decimal answer as well.