Long Division Calculator – Step by Step

Long Division Calculator (Step by Step)

Shows every step: bring down → divide → multiply → subtract. Turn on decimal steps for remainders (repeating cycles detected).

Dividend (number being divided)

Divisor (number you divide by)

Show decimal steps (if remainder) Decimal places:

Try:

How it works (short)

Build a partial dividend by bringing down one digit at a time. Choose the largest digit q with q × |divisor| ≤ partial. Multiply and subtract to make a new remainder, then repeat. For decimals, bring down 0s after a decimal point. When a remainder repeats, the digits in-between repeat.

How to Use the Long Division Calculator (Step by Step)

This free tool shows every step of long division — bring down → divide → multiply → subtract — so you learn the method, not just the final number. It works with whole numbers, negatives, and decimals (including repeating decimals).

Enter the dividend (number being divided) and the divisor.
Click Show Steps to see each cycle of the algorithm.
Toggle Show decimal steps if you want to continue past a remainder.
Use the Decimal places box to choose how many digits to show.

Updated for 2025: faster performance, clearer steps, and improved repeating-decimal detection.

Quick Example

Problem: 845 ÷ 7

7 into 84 → 12 (write 12), remainder 0; bring down 5 → 7 into 5 → 0 remainder 5.
Answer: 120 remainder 5, or keep going with decimals to get 120.714285… (repeating).

Check: quotient × divisor + remainder = dividend → 120×7 + 5 = 845.

What Is Long Division?

Long division is a repeatable process: choose the biggest digit that fits, multiply, subtract, then bring down the next digit. For decimals, make the divisor a whole number by shifting both numbers the same number of places and place the decimal in the answer directly above where it falls in the (shifted) dividend.

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

Decimal misplacement: place it in the quotient as soon as you pass it in the (shifted) dividend.
Forgetting to bring down: every loop ends by bringing down the next digit.
Stopping early: add zeros after a decimal and continue if you need more precision.
Not checking: always verify with Divisor × Quotient + Remainder = Dividend.

Real-World Uses

Splitting bills: divide a total cost among friends and round cents fairly.
Unit rates: price per item, miles per gallon, cost per ounce.
Decimals & fractions: convert between them and spot repeating cycles.

Pro tip: For money problems, round at the end and adjust pennies so the total matches exactly.

Learn More (Guides & Calculators)

FAQ: Long Division Calculator (Step by Step)

Does the calculator show each step automatically?

Yes. You’ll see the full sequence — bring down, divide, multiply, subtract — plus the running remainder for every line.

How do I handle decimals?

If the divisor has a decimal, shift both numbers right the same number of places to make the divisor whole. Place the decimal in the quotient directly above the decimal in the (shifted) dividend.

What about repeating decimals?

When a remainder repeats, the decimal digits repeat. Write the repeating block in parentheses, like 0.(3) or 1.2(54).

Can I use negative numbers?

Yes. Divide absolute values using the same steps. Apply the sign at the end: different signs → negative; same signs → positive.

Where can I ask a question or report an issue?

Email us at support@longdivisionmath.com