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Place Value

Place value games with dice

Roll digits and build the greatest, smallest or closest number.

Quick answer

Place value games with dice help children understand how digits in different positions have different values, and how to build numbers that are the greatest, smallest, or closest to a target.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to roll dice, decide where to place each digit, and create numbers that are the greatest, smallest, or closest to a target number. Success signs:
  • You can explain how the position of a digit changes its value.
  • You can build the largest and smallest numbers using dice rolls.
  • You can play a game where you try to get as close as possible to a target number.
  • You can use your knowledge of place value to make smart choices when placing dice numbers.

Why this matters

Understanding place value helps you work with bigger numbers and solve problems in maths and everyday life. When you play games with dice, you practice making smart choices and thinking ahead. This is useful for things like:
  • Shopping and counting money
  • Reading time on a clock
  • Measuring how far you’ve walked or run
  • Planning how many snacks you need for a party
  • Building with LEGO or other blocks

How it works

Place value means that the position of a digit tells us its value. In a number like 345:
  • The 5 is in the ones place, so it is worth 5
  • The 4 is in the tens place, so it is worth 40
  • The 3 is in the hundreds place, so it is worth 300
When you roll dice, you get digits. You choose where to put each digit to make the number you want. If you roll a 6, 3, and 1, you can make:
  • 631 (greatest)
  • 136 (smallest)
  • 361 (close to 300)

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are playing a game with a friend. You each roll two dice and make a 2-digit number. Then you compare who made the greater number. Example 1: Making the greatest number You roll a 4 and a 7. Where do you put them?
  • Put 7 in the tens place (70)
  • Put 4 in the ones place (4)
  • Your number is 74
Example 2: Making the smallest number You roll a 2 and a 9. Where do you put them?
  • Put 2 in the tens place (20)
  • Put 9 in the ones place (9)
  • Your number is 29
Example 3: Getting close to a target You roll a 3, 5, and 8. Your target is 500.
  • Put 8 in the hundreds place (800)
  • Put 5 in the tens place (50)
  • Put 3 in the ones place (3)
  • Your number is 853, which is far from 500
Try again:
  • Put 5 in the hundreds place (500)
  • Put 8 in the tens place (80)
  • Put 3 in the ones place (3)
  • Your number is 583, which is closer to 500

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Builder Challenge You are a treasure hunter and need to find the secret number to unlock a chest. You have a bag of dice and must roll them to make the number. Step 1: Roll three dice and get 2, 4, and 6. Step 2: Decide where to place each number to make the greatest number. Step 3: Write down your number. Step 4: Now, try to make the smallest number. Step 5: Try to make a number closest to 300. Step 6: Compare your numbers with a friend or family member. Step 7: If you're right, you get a gold coin. If you're wrong, you get a clue to try again.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Putting the biggest number in the ones place.
    • Why it happens: Not understanding that the tens and hundreds places are worth more.
    • Fix: Always think: "Where can I put this number so it makes the biggest/smallest number?"
  • Mistake: Getting confused about which digit is in which place.
    • Why it happens: Not knowing the order of ones, tens, hundreds.
    • Fix: Use a place value chart or draw lines to show ones, tens, hundreds.
  • Mistake: Not thinking ahead when placing numbers.
    • Why it happens: Wanting to use the biggest number first without thinking about the target.
    • Fix: Think about your goal: biggest, smallest, or closest to a target.

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child by:
  • Playing the dice game together and asking questions like, "Why did you put that number there?"
  • Using a place value chart or drawing boxes for ones, tens, hundreds to make it clearer.
  • Encouraging your child to explain their thinking, not just give the answer.
  • Using real-world examples like counting money or measuring things to show how place value works.
  • Letting your child make mistakes and learn from them – it's part of the learning process.

Practice questions

  1. Roll two dice and make the greatest number possible. Dice show: 3 and 8.
  2. Roll two dice and make the smallest number possible. Dice show: 1 and 5.
  3. Roll three dice. Target is 400. Dice show: 2, 6, 9. What number do you make to get closest to 400?
  4. Roll three dice. Target is 100. Dice show: 4, 7, 3. What number do you make to get closest to 100?
  5. Roll two dice. Dice show: 9 and 2. What is the difference between the greatest and smallest numbers you can make?
Answers:
  1. Greatest: 83
  2. Smallest: 15
  3. Closest to 400: 396 (put 9 in hundreds, 6 in tens, 2 in ones)
  4. Closest to 100: 137 (put 7 in hundreds, 3 in tens, 4 in ones)
  5. Difference: 83 - 29 = 54

FAQ

What is place value?

Place value means the value of a digit depends on its position in a number. For example, in 456, the 4 is in the hundreds place and is worth 400.

Why do we use dice in place value games?

Dice help make learning fun and hands-on. They give random digits, so children have to think carefully about where to place each number.

Can I play place value games with more than three dice?

Yes! You can use 4, 5, or more dice to make bigger numbers and challenge yourself even more.

How can I make place value games more challenging?

You can try making numbers close to a target, or use decimal dice to make numbers with tenths and hundredths.

Are there any online games for place value?

Yes, many websites have free online place value games, but you can also play with dice at home and make up your own rules!